Penn-Trafford board recognizes state-champion hockey team, mock-trial winners and students of the month

The Penn-Trafford School Board used part of its April agenda to recognize student achievement across athletics, academics and extracurricular activities.

Board members and administrators read citations and presented trophies and certificates honoring the high school hockey team’s recent tournament victories, including district and state-level wins, and noted community support from first responders and coaches. Dr. Harris read a message from head coach Brian Zagoric praising players’ character: "These boys proudly represented their school and their community both on and off the ice. They were always accountable to themselves and their teammates."

The mock-trial team and its volunteer coaches and coordinators were introduced. A long-serving Westmoreland County coordinator explained the time demands and preparation students undertake for the mock-trial “vehicle” (this year a medical‑malpractice problem), and the board congratulated the team on advancing through regional and state rounds.

Administrators also presented students of the month from Sunrise Elementary (Sloan Showski), Trafford Middle School (Joselyn Deetsz) and Trafford High School (Kaitlin Paneer), and described each student’s academic and extracurricular strengths. The board paused for photos and applause.

These recognitions were presented at the start of the meeting and were followed by routine business.