2018 Swim-A-Thon Raises Over $2,000!
The annual Swim-A-Thon “splashed off” at the Merakey Allegheny Valley School Pittsburgh Campus indoor pool on April 2. Ten students from Seneca Valley High School were paired with individuals supported by Merakey AVS to swim laps while making new friends. This year, the event was run by Seneca Valley senior Sophia Gaguzis, who raised over $2,000! Funds will support the purchase of recreation and sensory equipment.
“It is inspiring to have students from Seneca Valley run a swim-a-thon each year to raise funds to support our programs,” commented, Executive Director of Development and Communications, Dorothy Gordon. “Swimming is a fantastic activity for the individuals supported by Merakey AVS as it develops strength and provides those who utilize a wheelchair for mobility to move freely in the water. The interaction between all the participants is wonderful.”
The project began six years ago when a Seneca Valley senior Jackie Curtz had an idea to combine her senior year service project with her love of swimming. The individuals supported by Merakey AVS at the Pittsburgh Campus have enjoyed a fun-filled day of recreation ever since. The total raised over the years from the program amounts to more than $9,200.
“This project brings high school students and individuals together to work towards a common goal, and I think it is important to interact with individuals of all ages and stages of life to fully understand the world in which we live in today,” Jackie said. “The most rewarding thing is to see the positive impact that this project has on the individuals and volunteers who participate,” Jackie commented. “It is awesome that each year a new student has put their own touch on the project. I have loved watching it grow and impact so many people.”
On April 15, members of the Angels from the Heart Charitable Foundation visited Merakey Allegheny Valley School for Good Deeds Day 2018!
On March 20, musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) held its outreach concert for more than 100 guests from Merakey Allegheny Valley School (AVS). The program included songs from Bach, Ravel, Haydn and Mendelssohn. After the performance, musicians and attendees mingled and posed for pictures.
This was Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong’s last concert at Merakey AVS as he is leaving Pittsburgh for Oregon where he will be the Music Director with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra.
During the month of March, the AVS Psychology Department presented the Philadelphia Program Center with a challenge, “How do you trap a Leprechaun?” The question was presented on the Psychology office door, and staff who had their picture taken were made into leprechauns themselves! Each of the program areas participated in the activities, which included a Leprechaun photo booth, story reading of “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace, and crafting Leprechaun traps.