There is reason for celebration at Seneca Valley High School.

Since 2000, that school district has produced six graduates who have reached either Major League Baseball or the NFL. That is a rare achievement, indeed.

When one considers that four of the six guys are baseball players, it’s downright fascinating.

Woodland Hills had nine graduates in the NFL in 2011 — Jason Taylor, Steve Breaston and Rob Gronkowski among them — and more than 10 Aliquippa area residents have played pro football through the years.

But that’s football. Western Pennsylvania is known for football.

This region has produced a few big league baseball players over the years, but hardly a boatload. But outfielder Jason Conti, pitchers Zach Jackson and Cory Mazzoni, and catcher Kevan Smith — all from Seneca Valley — have reached The Show within the past 15 years.

While none have had long big league careers, they’ve all gotten there. That is a monumental achievement in and of itself.

Conti was a reserve outfielder with Arizona, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and Texas from 2000-04. Jackson pitched for Milwaukee and Cleveland from 2006-09.

Mazzoni reached the big leagues with San Diego last season and is currently designated for assignment while on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.

Smith incurred horrible luck recently. After hitting well over .300 for Class AAA Charlotte in the White Sox’ system, he was called up to the big club when Sox catcher Alex Avila went on the disabled list.

Smith suffered back spasms while stretching prior to Monday night’s game in Toronto — his would-be big league debut — and wound up on the DL himself.

It’s only a matter of time before Smith makes his major league debut and adds to that Raider legacy.

Toss in football players Brandon Fusco and Don Barclay — current offensive linemen with the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, respectively — and the pro sports success at this school is magnified.

Butler hasn’t done badly in this area in its own right. Terry Hanratty, the Saul brothers, Scott Milanovich, Matt Clement, have all reached he grandest stage of football or baseball.

These school districts should relish such legacies. When multiple athletes from a high school reach the pro ranks, it becomes a tremendous source of pride for that school and community.

When I first came to Butler, it was less than a day before someone asked me if I knew Terry Hanratty and Bill, Rich and Ron Saul were from here.

Just like those guys do for Butler, guys like Fusco, Barclay, Conti, Jackson, Mazzoni and Smith serve as proof for Seneca Valley that dreams can come true for athletes from anywhere.

Here’s hoping Mazzoni and Smith can add to realizing theirs.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle