WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS — McCLELLAN ELEMENTARY
est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
McClellan Elementary Rallies Around Student Who Beat Cancer
For 16 months , McClellan Elementary student Mason was fighting cancer . It ’ s a fight he won ! On Monday , September 16 , Mason rang the bell at the hospital to mark his victory . Mason was set to return to school on Tuesday , September 17 , and the faculty and staff at McClellan knew they had to do something to celebrate Mason . And they had something big in mind .
Around lunchtime on that Tuesday , the entire school gathered on the playground while Mason , his twin brother , older brother , and cousin were kept busy inside the school . Even the Thomas Jefferson Jaguar Marching Band and the TJ Cheerleaders were there to show the support of the entire community . When everyone was ready , Mason came out to see his entire school cheering for him . Mason ’ s family was there to experience it all .
Some students held signs welcoming Mason back to school . Others chanted his name . There were tears , smiles , and a lot of Jaguar pride .
When the music and cheering quieted , McClellan principal Justin Liberatore explained how supporting McClellan family members is an important aspect of being a McClellan rockstar .
“ We ’ re here to lift Mason up ,” Mr . Liberatore told the school . “ We ’ re so proud of him for beating cancer . That is a huge feat . He ’ s a superhero .”
And then Mr . Liberatore wrapped up things by asking Mason to receive a bell from the TJ Jaguar , climb to the top of the play structure , and ring the bell for everyone to hear .
As Mason rang the bell , the entire crowd chanted his name , concluding a touching , inspirational , and motivational tribute very few members of the McClellan family will ever forget .
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