Penn Hills High School to host volleyball, basketball games with students and first responders

Penn Hills School District officials believe some friendly games between students and first responders will build community relationships.

They will get a chance to test that theory Sunday afternoon at the high school, 309 Collins Drive.

The high school volleyball team is expected to play against firefighters and EMS around 3:30 p.m., and the basketball team is scheduled to play against law enforcement around 5 p.m. Admission is free.

“I think it’s great,” district Athletic Director Stephanie Strauss said about the event. “I think it’s going to help us create relationships between the community and people that support us.”

Allegheny County juvenile probation officers are expected to participate. The district is coordinating with Penn Hills Fire Marshal Chuck Miller on possibly getting more volunteers.

“We don’t have the rosters confirmed yet,” Superintendent Nancy Hines said. “We’re still working on that. It’s been such a tough year for many reasons, and it just seemed like it made sense to bring everybody together. … This is kind of a midway point (before back to school in late August). Let’s come together and celebrate.”

EMS supervisor Diane Fitzhenry said she is working on scheduling crews to cover shifts and the event. She commended the district for its community outreach.

“We do always like to participate in the community events, so we’ll try to do something,” Fitzhenry said. “We will have a crew over there keeping an eye on things.”

High school cheerleaders will also perform. Booster groups, such as girls soccer, cheerleading, marching band and boys basketball, will have food for sale as fundraisers for their groups.

Officials from Krise Transportation and Kelly Services, a company that handles substitute teaching positions, will be on hand to discuss possible employment opportunities.

The athletic department will have a rummage sale with old uniforms and other Penn Hills gear from as far back as the 1990s up for sale.

Strauss said she is unsure what to expect as far as attendance and game participation.

“It’s hard to tell,” she said. “We’re trying to get the word out. We shared the info with local sports organizations. Hopefully, this will help (the school). I think the games will be entertaining.”

More information about school district activities is available at phsd.k12.pa.us.