Residents ask school board to locate missing mid-century trophies

Residents pressed the Montoursville Area School Board on the fate of historic trophies and memorabilia dating to the 1940s through the 1960s, saying family and community history was lost when the artifacts disappeared from display cases.

Jack Callahan, who identified himself and gave his address, told the board he was "here about those" items and raised questions about trophies, a Golden Helmet award and other artifacts he said represented the district’s athletic history. Multiple residents echoed his concern and said it was a shame that older accomplishments were gone.

Superintendent Carmina told the meeting the district does not currently have the trophies in its possession. "We're not we're not in possession of those those trophies any any longer," he said, adding that district records on displayed items go back only to the 1970s and that older objects may have been removed when new items replaced them.

A resident who identified themselves with a local housing reference called the loss of older artifacts "a disgrace," and asked who at the district would be responsible for locating them. Board members and staff said they could not identify a definitive custodian from the district’s historical records and suggested locating the items would require tracking prior athletic directors or superintendents.

No formal action was taken at the meeting to launch a records search or inventory project; board members indicated they would note the public concern and that follow-up could require further research or requests to maintenance and long-term staff records. The meeting record shows the board acknowledged the concern but offered no immediate remedy or timeline for locating the items.