JAGUARS IN THE NEWS est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
TJ Students , Recent Retirees and Heroic Member of WJHSD Community Recognized
Thomas Jefferson High School students , recent West Jefferson Hills School District retirees and a member of the District community were recognized by the WJHSD School Board at their September meeting .
Kristan Liberato of District partner Matthews Bus Co . was recognized for performing successful CPR on a colleague who collapsed just before starting his bus route driving WJHSD students . She was presented a Certificate of Commendation for her quick reaction to the life-threatening situation and received a standing ovation from the meeting attendees . The gentleman returned home after being hospitalized for several days .
“ This employee quickly jumped into action and because of her actions in applying CPR , that person lived and is on the road to recovery ,” said Superintendent Dr . Michael Ghilani . “ To save a person ’ s life is truly heroic ... the bravery that she displayed that day . We want her to know how special she is to us and I ’ m sure to the family of the gentleman she saved .”
Eleven former WJHSD staff members who retired last summer were recognized for their contributions to the District over many years .
Nearly 30 TJ students were recognized for a variety of recent achievements , including senior Anthony Sparta , who was selected a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist . Four additional Jaguars were recognized as National Merit Scholarship Commended students .
Additional TJHS students were lauded for their efforts in successfully organizing and implementing the Freshman Jaguar LEAP orientation program in August and the New Families Tailgate , an event which welcomed new students and their families to the district prior to the football home opener .
JHIS Students , School Board Member Recognized
Jefferson Hills Intermediate School students and a member of the West Jefferson Hills School Board were recognized by the WJHSD School Board at their October meeting .
Nine JHIS students were recognized for their selection as the school ’ s September Students of the Month for being welcoming . The students are : Lamar Fawaz Almutairi , Kaitlyn Arreoloa , Kimberly Brink , Charles Colaianni , Ava Jesionowski , Ruza Mahat , Lyla Moore , Derrick Robinson and Ryleigh Weathers . The students also were recognized at a breakfast with their families at JHIS earlier this month .
Assistant Principal Jodi Merwin spoke about the JHIS Positive Behavorial Interventions and Supports ( PBIS ) program and student impact . JHIS principal Christopher Very demonstrated a one-of-a-kind cube with photos of all five WJHSD schools that was created by JHIS art educator Adam Gebhardt , using one of the school ’ s 3D printers . The photos of the schools are illuminated when the cube is plugged in . A drawing for the cube was held among the Board members and administration and Superintendent Dr . Michael Ghilani was drawn as the recipient .
School Board member John Hosmer was recognized for his contributions to the District and the board and was presented a Certificate of Appreciation and small gift by Dr . Ghilani . Hosmer has served for eight years and did not run for re-election .
Doc Kulish Posts 400th Win and Another Section Title
Thomas Jefferson boys soccer coach Dr . Michael Kulish , affectionately known as Doc Kulish , led the Jaguars to another Class 3A Section title this season and hit a significant career milestone along the way .
After leading the Jaguars to a 15-1-2 regular season and the Section 3 crown , Kulish recorded career victory No . 400 when TJ defeated South Fayette in the first round of the WPIAL Playoffs on October 23 . The Jaguars ’ head coach since 1993 , Kulish led TJ to the PIAA Championship in 2002 and WPIAL crowns in 2001 , 2002 and 2004 . Thomas Jefferson boys soccer also has won eight Section titles under the former Pennsylvania Coach of the Year recipient and TJ graduate .
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