Students
Two works by Mars Area High School junior Samantha Yeager were selected for the Robert Morris University Juried High School Exhibition that took place March 27 to 31 in the RMU Media Art Gallery.
Yeager’s works, “Love Road” and “Flowery Haze,” were selected for the show through the university’s 2023 Photo Contest.
Her photographs were featured in the exhibit alongside works by 22 students from eight area high schools. All contributing artists were recognized at an Artist’s Reception on March 31.
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Seneca Valley’s High School Mock Trial team made school history with its advancement to the state championship, which took place March 24 and 25 in Harrisburg at the Dauphin County Court House. There were only 14 teams out of 312 from across the state that qualified, including Seneca Valley, ultimately earning them an eighth-place finish in the championship.
This extraordinary accomplishment marked the first time in which the SV Mock Trial team advanced from regionals to district finals then to the state championship.
The SV Mock Trial team is comprised of students in grades nine to 12 in the gifted program and is advised by Brieana Nassan, senior high school gifted support teacher.
Members of the SV Mock Trial team include Leo Slacker, Calleigh Foulkrod, Jacob Hensley, Julia Acker, Sydney Kratsas, Kacy Christensen, Grant Hoover, Nick Porter, Sonya Dietz, Benjamin Carnino, Friyana Sepai, Lilly Hudac, Julia Gibilisco, Katie Mack and Morgan Dunn.
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Sebastian Anastasi of Grove City was a member of the Grove City College debate team to capture a national championship earlier this month at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament at West Chester University.
The event is the largest comprehensive forensics tournament in the world, with 37 colleges and universities competing in 2023.
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Cassandra Suran of Freeport was recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Suran was initiated at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Suran is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership.
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Mars Area High School’s Winterguard and Indoor Percussion teams competed in the Three Rivers Winter Ensemble Association Championships on April 1 at Norwin High School in Irwin.
Mars Indoor Percussion earned first place with an overall score of 87.800 in the Percussion Scholastic A competition. The team, which performed its show, “In a Flash,” also earned top honors for both music and visual effect.
Mars Area Winterguard took second place (84.750) in the Scholastic A contest. The team presented its program, “To Even Exist.”
Also of note, seniors Tori Rojas and Molly Suppo were selected for association scholarships, which are awarded to those students in good academic standing, who demonstrate leadership qualities and service participation.
