Gateway High School’s spring musical worth catching if you can
Between the cast, orchestra and stage crew, Gateway’s musical program lost 11 seniors to graduation last spring, leaving a younger cast to fill their shoes. The group is excited to step into the spotlight with “Catch Me If You Can.” With a creative team led by producer Mary Chase and...
Gateway School Board moves forward on major roof project, prepares for upcoming events
Gateway School Board unanimously voted, 9-0, on March 23 to approve a letter of intent between the school district and Pennsylvania Roofing Systems for roof repairs and replacement at Dr. Cleveland Steward Jr. Elementary School in the amount of $1,490,000. Initially, half of the funds were set aside in last...
Love of family, art, travel bonds teachers, whose works are on display at Monroeville library
The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library is hosting artwork from Nicole Given and Nevenka Kostley in the Gallery Space from March 27 to April 29. An opening reception for “Educators as Artists” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 4. Many pieces from their collections will be...
Gateway School Board hears from counselors and students, discusses roof repairs at Steward
During Gateway School Board’s study session March 16, members heard presentations from faculty and students. Middle school counselors Jaynie Edwards, Betty Howard, Kathy Johnston and Rich Taylor discussed several of the programs they have implemented as well as their daily student involvement. “What we really want to highlight quickly tonight...
Author and retired professor leads discussion on inequity, shares life experiences as a Black woman
Detroit native Beverly Harris-Schenz planned to become a doctor. But once in college, she turned her attention to education, specifically teaching German. After attending the University of Michigan, Harris-Schenz studied in Germany, then earned her master’s degree and doctorate at Stanford University. The professor began her career in 1974 at...
Gateway School Board lauds essay winner, mentoring program for girls in middle school
During Gateway School Board’s regular session Feb. 23, members heard from Gabriela Rossetti and high school English teacher Eve Dudek. Rossetti won third place for her essay on civil rights activist Ella Baker. She was presented with a trophy during the eighth annual Black History Month Summit at the Soldiers...
4th annual mini-golf fundraiser draws hundreds to Monroeville Public Library
Monroeville Public Library’s fourth annual mini-golf fundraiser — with its custom 19-hole course — was in full swing Feb. 21. At the first mini-golf fundraiser, the library rented a course. In subsequent years, library officials decided to build and use their own, which they’ve rented on occasion to other libraries....
Gateway School Board hears presentations on student activities, proposed scoreboard
During Gateway School Board’s study session Feb. 9, student representative Taylor Roberts shared recent happenings at the high school. Events included Homecoming, Turkey Trot and a Model UN at the University of Pittsburgh. Some students also were able to observe a triple bypass procedure at Allegheny General Hospital while learning...
‘There’s glory in your story’: Monroeville man reflects on life during Black History Month presentation at library
Joe Hines has had a lot of firsts. And he was happy to share them with a full house during a presentation Feb. 10 in the Gallery Space of Monroeville Public Library. He was the first Black student council president at Plainfield High School in New Jersey. The school would...
Gateway School District’s annual exhibit to shine light on students’ creativity during Youth Art Month
Monroeville Public Library’s Elaine Biondi Gallery Space will be filled with local talent Feb. 27-March 24 during Gateway School District’s annual art show. The exhibit will include artwork created by students from kindergarten through 12 grade. “The show features a wide range of media and styles, reflecting the developmental journey...
Gateway School Board votes on assessment appeals, grant, supplements
At the Gateway School Board meeting Jan. 26, the board unanimously voted, 9-0, to approve real estate assessment appeals involving high-priced commercial properties within Gateway’s taxing jurisdiction. The board held an executive session before the meeting to consult with its real estate appeals counsel, Weiss Burkardt Kramer LLC, regarding legal...
Gateway thespians deliver heartfelt performance of ‘Almost, Maine’
On Jan. 16 and 17, Gateway’s talented high schoolers delivered three genuinely heartfelt performances of “Almost, Maine.” The 2004 play by John Cariani consists of nine short stories about love and loss in a fictional New England town. Overseen by first-time Gateway director Kaylie Wallace, 15 high school musical students...
Gateway School Board to vote on real estate assessment appeals, recognizes principal, board
At Gateway’s regular school board meeting Jan. 26, the board will vote on real estate assessment appeals involving high-value commercial properties within the district’s taxing jurisdiction. The deadline to appeal was Sept. 2, 2025. The Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review (BPAAR) received 123 property appeals, of which Gateway...
Tamburitzan alum takes on new role as artistic director
Balkan rhythms, swirling skirts and intricate footwork complete the Tamburitzans’ latest production — “The Shared Song: Uniting Cultures Through Music Dance.” In its 89th season, the popular Pittsburgh-based ensemble uses music, song and dance to showcase various regions around the world such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Romania, Serbia and...
New drama club at Gateway Middle School preps for ‘Music Man: Kids’
Diane “Milo” Milowicki directed Gateway High School musicals — “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Chicago: Teen Edition” — the past two years but took a step back because of other commitments. After all, the Monroeville Rotarian is the immediate past Rotary president and EarlyAct Club chairperson for University Park Elementary...
As another year ends, community remembers Monroeville Mall’s heyday during annual ball drop
For folks who can’t stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, Monroeville Public Library’s annual ball drop at noon has become quite the tradition. The celebration began at the library several years ago but relocated to Monroeville Mall four years ago as its popularity grew. This year, festivities started...
PitCare Meals on Wheels delivers comfort, conversation, a few surprises ahead of holidays
Dec. 18 was a special day for PitCare Meals on Wheels recipients. In addition to the standard hot meal and bagged lunch, everyone received a cozy blanket, courtesy of St. Regis Parish in Trafford, and a “blizzard bag,” which was donated by the Monroeville Rotary. As the name suggests, the...
Retired electrician finds beauty in profession with art inspired by Tesla, Edison, ‘Star Trek’
Although he didn’t get started until his early 30s, Bruce Senchesen has made more than 100 sculptures using circuit boards, plastics, wires and various electronics. Sometimes the parts are new, but mostly Senchesen uses old pieces from thrift shops or the hardware store. “I look for oddball components,” the Monroeville...
10th annual Light Up the Night in Monroeville a success despite cold, tragedy in Australia
Even with frigid temperatures, the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville celebrated its 10th annual Light Up the Night on Dec. 15 in Community Park West. The evening marked the second night of Hanukkah, which starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar. Because of...
Turtle Creek Valley Rotary provides essentials for 5 families thanks to donation from district office
Debbie DiLorenzo has been with the Rotary since 2008. She’s a membership chair, foundation assistant and Region 14 assistant governor. “I love Rotary and try to help out as much as I can,” DiLorenzo said. So when District Governor Felicia Mycyk reached out to DiLorenzo with the opportunity to help...
Members of Gateway High School’s Leader Academy choose the gift of giving
Actions speak louder than words — and Gateway High School’s Chick-fil-A Leader Academy continues to validate its motto “Impact Through Action” by putting ideas into practice. Members of the group chose to make the holidays a little brighter for some of their fellow Gators by setting up an angel tree...
Municipal manager talks ‘All Things Monroeville,’ including mall’s fate, town’s future
During Monroeville Rotary’s town hall meeting Dec. 4 at Monroeville Public Library, municipal Manager Alex discussed “All Things Monroeville.” Fittingly, Graziani was introduced by Rotary President Tim Little, who served as Monroeville’s manager from 2010 until his retirement in December 2023. Graziani said he met with Little around the time...
Gateway High School’s ‘Almost, Maine’ production a fitting debut for director
The first time Kaylie Wallace saw her grandfather, Larry Cervi, direct a play was about a decade ago when Gateway High School performed “Almost, Maine” — the 2004 show written by John Cariani. Recently, Wallace stepped into Cervi’s (dancing) shoes as the artistic director and choreographer at the nonprofit East...
Gateway School Board welcomes new directors; president, vice president maintain positions
During the Gateway School Board’s reorganization meeting Dec. 1, Janette Beighel, Rick McIntyre and Anthony Mock officially stepped into their posts. The new directors, along with inductee Leslie McBride, will each serve a four-year term. McBride was the only board member up for reelection. Judge Jeffrey Herbst read the Certificates...
Monroeville Historical Society keeps holiday tradition alive at Old Stone Church
A 54-year-old tradition continues in Monroeville. The annual tree-lighting celebration and holiday concert, hosted by the Monroeville Historical Society at the Old Stone Church, officially ushered in the season Nov. 25. “The first event was held in 1969, but years 2020 and 2021 were unfortunately missed due to the covid...
