Penn-Trafford recognizes students of the month; schools recap fall activities and Deer Valley fifth‑grade trip

The Penn‑Trafford School District recognized students of the month from its elementary, middle and high schools during the board meeting, and principals used the occasion to summarize recent school activities and student programs.

District leader Dr. Harris introduced the segment by framing the recognition as a high honor at a district that serves roughly 3,800 students and said a small number are chosen for year‑end awards. Principals then presented brief profiles of each honoree and described programs and events at their buildings.

Juliet Briscoe, a third grader at Lehi Green Elementary, was honored for strong academic effort and leadership in class. Zach Keefer, a fifth grader at Trafford Elementary, was described by teachers as respectful, helpful and a consistent role model. Middle school honoree Madeline ("Maddie") Gela was noted for academics, stage management in drama and commitments outside class. Penn‑Trafford High School recognized senior Chloe Stack for leadership in PTTV (Penn Trafford Television Broadcasting), theater and multiple honor societies and clubs.

Principals used their reports to highlight other school activities. Lehi Green launched an LG Cares initiative that organized thank‑you cards for first responders and plans a month focused on breast cancer awareness. Trafford Elementary described a planned family book club and an upcoming trunk or treat paired with a book fair. Middle and high school leaders mentioned homecoming events, an extended pep rally, a career fair at the David Lawrence Convention Center that will showcase roughly 30 construction trades, and a fall play scheduled for Nov. 14. The high school also noted recent wins by the marching band and other college‑prep events.

Board and staff members described the Deer Valley experience for fifth graders as a multi‑day YMCA camp trip with parent and teacher chaperones. Activities enumerated by staff included archery, stream exploration (looking for salamanders), Pennsylvania wildlife instruction, craft projects such as dreamcatchers and birdhouse building, and hands‑on science activities like owl pellet examination.

The district also recognized community members and alumni at the meeting; staff recounted an induction ceremony honoring several alumni and thanked volunteers who support student events.

The recognition segment concluded with a group photograph of the month’s honorees and closing comments from building principals.