Leechburg Area High School celebrates 100th anniversary; public open house tonight
It isn’t every day a public school building turns 100.
So, when Leechburg Area High School reached that milestone on Thursday, a celebration was in order.
“This is such a contribution to the town for investing resources into our school district for 100 years, which we very much appreciate. To have a high school that’s still standing at 100 years, and the traditions that are still going strong, we’re super proud and super thankful,” Superintendent Tiffany Nix said.
The dedication ceremony included presentations from two guest speakers: Leechburg Historical Society board member Larry Boehm and school board President Anthony Shea.
A dedication plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary was unveiled by members of student council outside the front entrance to the high school.
Teacher and alumna Michelle Ferretti graduated in 1989 and said her fondest memories at Leechburg included her time as a high school majorette.
“Football season was a blast. We went to the playoffs my senior year, and it was a great way to wrap up that experience,” Ferretti said. “I also loved then they sold the newspaper version of the Trotty Veck (school newspaper) in homerooms. It was something everyone looked forward to and most people bought the new edition.”
Kylie Fabry, senior class president, said she is going to miss roaming the same halls students have navigated the past 100 years after she graduates.
“Everyone seems excited. I’m looking forward to the dedication since it’s my senior year. It’s kind of bittersweet,” Fabry said.
Boehm described his guest speaker role as an honor and presented a PowerPoint visual show of the early educational years in Leechburg.
“The need for the current building arose in 1921 when the previous school building became unsanitary and was actually condemned by the state,” Boehm said. “The old building had heavily oiled floors and unsealable penetrations that led to rat problems. There was a campaign led by landlords to discourage the funding of the new building, but it failed.”
The vote to finance and build a new high school passed with a 499 to 113 referendum vote in April 1922.
The old school was torn down and the current high school was built at a cost of about $250,000.
The current high school has been renovated several times, most recently in 1996.
Senior Tyler Foley described the dedication assembly as a “really big deal.”
“I think it means a little more to seniors graduating on the 100th anniversary,” Foley said.
Sophomore Chase Henry has attended school in Leechburg his entire life.
“It means a lot to be a part of the 100th anniversary of this school. It’s the school I grew up in and made all of my amazing friends in. It’s an amazing school and amazing atmosphere that you can’t find in many places,” Henry said.
Students were treated to complimentary treats from Kona Ice after the dedication.
Public invited to celebrate
The celebration continues this evening with a public open house, dubbed Education Celebration, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the high school.
Student projects will be on display and include a butterfly exhibit from first graders, a 1950s Museum Walk hosted by third graders, Amusement Park Physics with K’Nex in Room 502 and Trout in the Classroom in Room 500.
Live music performances will be ongoing throughout the event in the high school auditorium.
Food will be available for purchase outside from various participating food trucks including DelVecchio’s Sausage, Fat Cat Subs and Little C’s Concessions.
“It’s for the public and everyone is welcome,” Nix said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.