United Way honours Gateway students; Interact Club cites food drives and backpack program

Janice Sowers, a corporate engagement manager and specialist with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, presented Gateway School District with a Champion School District recognition for 2025–26 and described the program’s volunteer and fundraising requirements. "The champion school districts initiative… was to bring together students, faculty, staff, [and] community around a common focus on philanthropy," she said.

The designation required participating districts to complete three tasks and submit a short video documenting their work; Sowers praised a video produced by Mr. Gluwit and noted Gateway’s second‑year fundraising event, a “Chomp the Swamp” penny‑war at University Park Elementary, raised nearly $1,200 for United Way to support neighbors in need.

Rocco, a senior at Gateway High School and a member of the school’s Interact Club, told the board the club supports pop‑up food pantries where families collect free groceries and runs a backpack program to supply elementary students with meals for the week. "United Way has given us like a bunch of opportunities for more extra volunteering… We've done the pop‑up food drives… and then we also have the backpacking program," he said.

Board members applauded the students and staff involved and thanked the district volunteers and partners. The recognition was presented during the public meeting; no formal action was required. The district said the award and student work will continue to be highlighted through school communications and the district’s website.