School News: Week of June 23

Bethel Park
• Blake Haggerty is the recipient of the 2019 Angel F. Miranda Award, as presented recently at the Bethel Park High School Awards Ceremony.
Throughout Blake’s high school career, he consistently demonstrated a high level of tenacity and self-determination. He has had a strenuous academic workload while being a successful member of the rifle team and assistant to the school police officer. In the fall, Blake will continue his efforts and attend college with an interest in protective services.
The award was established to honor the memory of Angel F. Miranda, born March 14, 1986, who attended Pathfinder School and was a Bethel Park School District graduate in 2007. Each year’s recipient is a student who demonstrates the characteristics of accepting challenges, overcoming obstacles, performing service and going the extra mile.

Fort Couch Middle School musicians at Hersheypark in Derry Township, Dauphin County
Upper St. Clair
• The Fort Couch Middle School symphonic winds and jazz bands earned top honors at the Music in the Parks Festival held May 31 and June 1 in Hersheypark.
In addition to both bands earning first place in the concert band and jazz ensemble categories, they also received the Hersheypark Esprit de Corps Award.
“The Esprit de Corps Award recognizes the participating organization that displays an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior throughout the festival weekend,” John Seybert, band director and performing arts curriculum leader, said. “Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit de Corps Award.”
The Music in The Parks Festival provides a year-end assessment by an outside panel and reinforces music skills that have been taught and practiced throughout the school year.