Cambria Heights School District

     

 

On Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24, 2018, 47 middle and high school students attended the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair at Carnegie Science Center. This is the 79th year of the competition. More than 1,000 students from over 21 counties in Pennsylvania competed for $1,000,000 in cash prizes and scholarships at this year’s Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair is a major program of the Carnegie Science Center’s Chevron Center for STEM Education and Career Development.

All students who competed are either enrolled in the Independent Research Course at the High School or joined the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science club at the Middle School.  Students were responsible for conducting a science fair project, following the scientific method, and presenting their findings. In total, there were 21 Universities represented and offered approximately 95 full/partial scholarships to the students, which become active upon graduation after high school.  

The following are awards and scholarships offered to our Cambria Heights Students:

 

 

In addition the following students took category awards:

4th Place

Brynn Thomas (out of 44 projects)

Paul Kinney (out of 58 projects)

Nicole McCombie (out of 55 projects)

3rd Place

Abbey Krug (out of 40 projects)

2nd Place

Patrick Hoover (out of 55 projects)

The following are awards offered to our Cambria Heights Middle School Students:

4th Place

Braden Thomas (out of 53 projects)

1st Place

Molly Hayes (out of 53 projects)

Carnegie Science Award

Molly Hayes - Out of every participant in the intermediate division  (over 400 projects), Molly was invited to present her project at the Carnegie Science Awards ceremony and celebration, which will take place Friday, May 4, 2018 at the historic Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland.  This ceremony recognizes all of the outstanding science-industry accomplishments from our region.

Intel ISEF & Broadcom MASTERS International Delegate

Addison Balzano - Internationally, 25 middle school participants from 20 selected countries have been selected to serve as a city delegate for the Broadcom MASTERS International program at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair.  The Broadcom MASTERS International brings together the world's brightest middle school students. Each delegate is chosen for their excellence in science, engineering and leadership. They are rising stars who come together to represent their nations for this international exchange.

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Evan Bobby-#52, Nick Brawley-#6, Brennan Haluska-#28, and Luke Fox-#17 for being selected to the Ken Lantzy Finest 40 Game.

 

 

 

Congratulations to the 46 students who participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science on Saturday, March 3, 2018.  

 

Middle School	High School
Addison Balzano Ava Beebe Marissa Berzonsky Kadence Della Valle Haley Drass Anastasia Foulks Molly Hayes Grace Jacobs Grace Jasper Morgan Link Braden Thomas Henry Warner	Adam Carpinello Ian Eckenrode James Ertter Patrick Hoover Matthew Illig Paul Kinney Ayden MIller David Pence Scott Riner Samuel Snyder Erin Choby Lindsey Drass	Jayme Ertter Emily Hayes Olivia Hite Alice Hoover Kylee Marra Karly Maslonik Nicole McCombie Paige McConnell Kaitlyn Sherwood Elizabeth Sopata Brynn Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

Cambria Heights School District attends SuperConference 24

 

The Cambria County Secondary Principals’ Association has endorsed the continuation of the annual conference for student leaders, known as “SuperConference,” again this year.  Mount Aloysius College in Cresson was the host for SuperConference 24 on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

The seminar provided student leaders from the middle school and high school an opportunity to enhance leadership traits, develop leadership skills, and foster pride and spirit in their school.  The students were engaged in a series of workshops from predominant figures in the community.  

The following students were chosen to attend the workshop, by their teachers, from the Cambria Heights School District.   They all demonstrate a desire for personal improvement and growth as well as demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities.

Nicholas Brawley, Gian Pagano, Andrew Christoff, Henry Warner, Liam Wholaver

Morgan Link, Morgan Schreyer, Hanna Kirsch, Haylee Henry, Abbey Kinney

 Mr. David Caldwell, Principal

Cambria Heights Middle School

Ms. Melissa Kinney, Student Government Advisor

Cambria Heights Middle School

 

On Saturday, March 4, 2017, 42 students from Cambria Heights High School and Middle School competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.  The following students received a first place award and advance to state competition at Penn State University. 
1^st Place- Stephen Dalby, Ian Eckenrode, Lakin Forst, Dakota Newlin, Adam Carpinello, Emily Hayes, Olivia Hite, Alice Hoover, Elizabeth Ivory, Kylee Marra, Karly Maslonik, Paige McMullen, Elizabeth Sopata, Brynn Thomas, Lindsey Drass, Jayme Ertter, Matthew Illig, Natalie Kopera Kelsey Krug, Paige McConnell, Nathan Phillips, Scott Riner, Alan Venesky, Erin Choby, Patrick Hoover, Paul Kinney.  

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Justin Snedden-#55 and James Baum-#14 for being selected to the Ken Lantzy Finest 40 Game.

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Matt Weimert and Adam Bobak for being named First Team Altoona Mirror All-Stars because of their success and achievements during the 2016 boys’ soccer season. Adam Bobak’s stats include 8 goals from scoring a perfect 8-8 on penalty kicks and 3 assists.  He helped the Height’s defense hold teams to an average of 1.5 goals per game in the final 16 games.  Matt Weimert led the team in scoring with 23 total goals and he also had 4 assist.

Another congratulations goes to Tyler Scott for being named Second Team Altoona Mirror All-Stars because of his performance during the 2016 boys’ soccer season. Tyler had a total of 10 goals and 3 assist during the season.

  

 

 

Evan Bobby and James Baum were selected for the 2nd Team All State from the PA Football News.  Evan was selected for Offensive Guard and James for Punter.

 

 

 

 

 Alex Albright - Washington and Jefferson College - Majoring in Biochemistry in the Pre-Med program - Playing football for the Presidents.

 

 

 Taylor Forsythe - Washington and Jefferson College - Majoring in Pre-Law: Criminology - Running Track for the Presidents

 

 

 Issac Lewis - Saint Vincent College - Majoring in Mechanical Engineering - Playing football for the Bearcats

 

 

 

Students at the Cambria Heights Middle School participated in the Respective Solutions Groups' after school program's writing contest which encompasses eight different sites.

 

Sonya Craver, an 8th grade student at Cambria Heights Middle School received first place honors with her essay entitled, "What I will be like in twenty years."

 

All the winners will be featured in the end of the year Respective Solutions Groups' newsletter.  Sonya will receive a copy of the newsletter containing her published story. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of Hockey exhibition of original student-created, hockey themed artwork was held March 11, 2016 in coordination with the Johnstown Tomahawk's hockey game.  All fans in attendance had the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece. Cambria Heights Elementary's artwork was selected as the fans’ favorite and won a SAMA Arts-in-Education program for their school. 

 

 

 

                                   Grade 5

  

                                    Grade 4

 

On March 17, the Appalachia IU8 hosted a STEM Design Challenge featuring K'nex.  The challenge was to design a building that was at least one meter tall and could support weight.  Also, the building had to prove to be environmentally friendly.  Cambria Heights entered a 4th grade team and a 5th grade team into the grades 4-5 division.  Mr. Justin Myers and the 5th grade team including Cole Weiland, Cameron Farabaugh, Bradley Green, and Ethan King were the 1st Place finishers and qualify to move on to the state competition.  Mr. Jordan Fees and the 4th grade team including Parker Farabaugh, Austin Bender, Owen Bork, and Shane Maul finished in 2nd Place.  The two Cambria Heights teams were at the top of a 26 team field. 

 

 

 

 Our sixth grade students recently competed in a 3D printing competition hosted by the University of Pittsburgh.  These following students are left to right in the above picture: Ashton Clark, Henry Warner,  Braden Thomas, and Maximus Dillon.  These students advanced through the competition and won first prize.  For their accomplishment, each student will receive a “Littlebits” electronic building kit and be published in the upcoming issue of FACETS, a University production through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Services.

 

 

 Prior to the program, all middle school students write thank you letters, poems, or write essays in their English classes. Some of these essays are then entered in the “Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest,” sponsored by the VFW. Students from each grade level are then selected by the English teachers to present their writing at the program. Copies of the best writings are also developed into booklets as a gift for the veterans. English teachers also collect donations for disabled veterans and distribute buddy poppies to the students and staff. Veterans are invited for a Spaghetti Luncheon followed by the student assembly. We  have had 50-75 veterans attend over the last several years. Mr. Sabol, Mrs. Cavallo, and The Yellow Ribbon Club assist students as they make decorations for the entry, hallway tables, and stage. Mr. Sabol also monitors and guides students as they set-up for the program.

 During the presentations, the middle school band and Vocal Extension students play and sing patriotic selections. Several students from each grade present their writings. A check is presented to the Hastings VFW for the money raised to donate to disabled veterans. The program is ended with a special video presentation created by Taylor Clark, Choe Weakland and Taylor Nemec. 

The team made history by winning the trophy for the first time ever!  The members of the team, which was named Highlander Heat, placed 1st with a score of 66 points,

 Congratulations!  We are very proud of all of you!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Dautlick was recognized on May 21, 2015 at a luncheon by the Northern Cambria Rotary Club and received a $1000 scholarship 

 

 

 Elementary Students participated in the Great American Cleanup at the Carrolltown American Legion Park on May 7, 2015.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Middle School Students received the following awards:

Kara Kensinger's project, "The Power of Music" took 4th place in her division, Behavioral Sciences out of 84 projects. 

Scott Riner was awarded an Affiliate Sponsor recognition for his project, "Testing for Bias in a Photo Lineup" by the United States Air Force.

Matthew Illig was awarded a Sponsorship award of $50.00 recognition for his project, "Which Colors Affect Solar Panels?" from Chevron. 

High School Students received the following awards/scholarships:

Bridget Kranz’s Project, “Are Fingerprints and Toe Prints Hereditary in Multi-Generational Families”, with 1^st overall in Biology Division out of 78 projects.

Michael McConnell was awarded a Sponsorship Award for his project, “Water Turbines” by Penn State University’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

Also, six out of the sixteen high school students who competed were offered scholarships towards their college tuition! 

The following schools offered scholarships to our students:

·         Clarion University - Michael McConnell and Bridget Kranz

·         Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Courtney Berish

·         Juniata College- Calem Illig

·         Mount Aloysius- Bridget Kranz, Michael McConnell, and Calem Illig

·         Penn State Altoona- Patrick Hoover and Stephen Fisanick

·         Seton Hill University- Calem Illig

 In total, our students received approximately $120,000 in scholarship offers!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pennsylvania Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) held its Annual State Leadership Conference on March 18-20, 2015 at the Split Rock Resort and Conference Center.  The theme of the conference was “A World United.”

Eleven students from the Cambria Heights Middle School FCCLA Chapter along with Mrs. Knupp, adviser, and Mrs. Nancy Price, parent chaperone attended the conference. The students learned leadership skills, project ideas, and participated in state competition. Students had the opportunity to attend a keynote address and workshops by Patrick T. Grady.  This presentation used comedy to reinforce points relevant to successful leaders.   Other workshops included information on successful job interviewing and social media.

Eight students competed in Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events at the Leadership Conference.  Kaitlyn Dranchak and McKenzie Pearce won gold medals in the Focus on Children competition for their project that taught about germs and hand washing to first grade students. Amanda Price received a gold medal for her project in the Life Event Planning competition.  Aubrey Thiec and Taylor Winslow won silver medals for their project entitled “The Best Gift of All” in the Chapter Service Project Display competition. Abbie Kehn, Sydney McAndrews, and Lauryn McCullough won silver medals in the National Programs in Action Event for focusing on the national program Student Body and teaching MyPlate concepts to their peers.  Taylor Yannitelli, Erin Eckenrode, and Trinity Boland won the middle level poster contest with the theme “A World United through FCCLA.”  Erin Eckenrode represented our chapter as CHMS Chapter voting delegate. Mrs. Knupp, Mrs. Price, Erin Eckenrode, Taylor Yannitelli and Trinity Boland also participated in various positions to help manage STAR Event competitions.

A special congratulation goes to Kaitlyn Dranchak, McKenzie Pearce, Amanda Price, Abbie Kehn, Sydney McAndrews, and Lauryn McCullough as members of the Pennsylvania National STAR Events Team.  These students are eligible to compete at the National FCCLA Conference in Washington DC, in July. 

Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and addresses important personal, family, work and societal issues through family consumer sciences education. The organization has involved over ten million youth since its founding in 1945.  FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members and is the only in-school student organization with family as its central focus.  

 

 

Students from Cambria Heights Middle and High School competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at Penn State Altoona on March 7^th.  Cambria Heights advanced twenty three students to the state competition, which will be held at Penn State University. 

The following students received first place and are advancing to the state competition: Hannah Smithmyer, Lauren Illig, Zachary Stoltz, Kyle Huber, Calem Illig, Courtney Sherry, Michaela Schreyer, Erin Choby, Courtney Berish, Mike McConnell, Brad O’Hara, Paul Kinney, Patrick Hoover, Lindsey Drass, Austin Miller, Natalie Kopera, Scott Riner, Tyler Huber, Josie Bassett, Alan Venesky, Matthew Illig, David Pence, and Morgan Schreyer.  

The following students received additional recognition for excellence within the competition: 
Hannah Smithmyer- Perfect Score, Judges Award for Excellence, and President’s Award 
Kyle Huber- Perfect Score and Judges Award for Excellence 
Courtney Sherry- Perfect Score and Judges Award for Excellence 
Lindsey Drass- Perfect Score and Judges Award for Excellence 
David Pence- Perfect Score and Judges Award for Excellence
Michael McConnell- Judges Award for Excellence 

 

 

 

Pictured here are student volunteers and sponsors who participated in the kick-off assembly: Kyle Huber, Lizzy Shaffer, Hannah Burns, Michaela Schreyer, Dylan Adams, and Bill Weber with sponsor C-B-W Schools Federal Credit Union

 

Students at Cambria Heights High School were recently introduced to The Challenge Program, Inc. during a kick-off assembly at their school. During the assembly, student volunteers participated in a mock interview challenge to demonstrate how developing the right work habits and behaviors will set them apart from other jobseekers. Each interview question was linked with one of The Challenge Program, Inc.’s five award categories—Attendance, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Community Service, Academic Improvement, and Academic Excellence. Students will be eligible to compete for financial incentives in these categories throughout the school year. C-B-W Schools Federal Credit Union and Highmark are the sponsors of the program at the school.  

 

Isaac Sclesky was named Defensive Most Valuable Player for Team North at the Ken Lantzy Finest Forty All-Star Game.  Isaac received a $500.00 scholarship because of this accomplishment.
 

 

 

Students from the Cambria Heights Middle and High School attended  SuperConference 21 held at Mount Aloysius College on May 7, 2014.  

 

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 Isaac Sclesky was recognized by the National Football Foundation on March 23, 2014.  This banquet recognizes excellence in athletics and academics.  Isaac was awarded a $1,000 dollar scholarship from the Tussy Mountain Scholarship Foundation.  Isaac is the first player from Cambria Heights to receive a scholarship from the foundation.  

 

 

 

The Pennsylvania Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) held its Annual State Leadership Conference on March 19-21, 2014 at the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center.  The theme of the conference was “Discover Your Voice.”

Seven students from the Cambria Heights Middle School FCCLA Chapter along with Mrs. Knupp, adviser, attended the conference.  Five Students competed in Student Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events at the Leadership Conference.  Katelyn Rayba and Brayden Marra won gold medals in the Food Innovations competition for their development of “Strawberry Sorbet,” a no sugar, frozen, food suitable for young children.  Malina Tomiczek and Amanda Venesky won gold medals for their project titled “Joys for the Children” in the Chapter Service Project Display competition.

Katey Nagle won a silver medal for her project titled “Review Dental Hygiene” in the Focus on Children event.  Kaitlyn Dranchak won the middle level poster contest with the theme “FCCLA Shak’n the Foundation through Leadership Service,” and Abbie Kehn attended the conference as the CHMS Chapter voting delegate.

A special congratulation goes to Katelyn Rayba, Brayden Marra, and Katey Nagle as members of the Pennsylvania National STAR Events Team.  These students are eligible to compete at the National FCCLA Conference in San Antonio, Texas in July. 

 

 

Congratulations to the PJAS/Research Class who competed in the Intel Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh on March 29, 2014. Cambria Heights was one of the 123 school districts with at total of 1,100 students represented, who competed for approximately 1 million in scholarship money. Our Cambria Heights students excelled in the competition and brought home over a quarter of a million dollars ($274,000) of the approximate one million dollar in offers.  In addition, further recognition was given to Morgan Scott for winning 1st overall in  Behavioral Sciences, Lauren Illig received a sponsorship from the United States Navy, and Brad O'Hara received sponsorship from the American Meteorological Society.  

 

 

 

 

 

are hanging up outside the first floor computer lab.  Please take a moment to read them if you are in the building.  It was a very tough competition and I am so very proud of how far they have come as writers.

 

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Two students from Cambria Heights Elementary School are winners of the 10th Annual Edgar Snyder and Associates "My Holiday Wish" Coloring Contest. Trey Trybus, age 6, and Grace Jasper, age 9, each won a $100 gift card and for their artistic submissions chosen from more than 800 entries from across Western Pennsylvania.

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 The contest was open to Pennsylvanians 18 years of age and under (Emily’s age group was 14-18).  A panel of five judges composed of leaders in the arts community and canine-related organizations selected the winning artwork for each age group.  Emily received first place for her drawing.   

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Front :  Steven Dalby, Vicki Patrick, Kathy Kuskoski, Makyla Sopata, Shannon Link Row 2:  Debbie Link, Sedona O’Hara, Michael Dautlick, Aimee Dalby, Lindsey Link, Cori James, William Hoover, Agnes Hoover, Jeanette Price, Emily Sopata, Taylor O’Hara, Brad O’Hara Row 3: David O’Hara, Thad Dalby, John Kuskoski, Alex Vesey, Jed Price, Mark Harris

Absent from Photo Sabrina Loughran

 

 

Shawn Lacue, a junior, placed 4th at the PIAA State Track and Field Championship this past weekend.  Shawn placed with a jump of 6 feet 6 inches. Shawn's 4th place finish was highest of any District 6 athlete at the PIAA state meet held at Shippensburg University.

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Adam McLucas, a senior at Cambria Heights recently presented his Caterpillar heavy equipment models to both the Cambria Heights and Admiral Peary School Boards.  His designs will be presented to Cleveland Brothers Inc. the maker of the Caterpillar equipment products

 

 

 Evan Kinney, a ninth grade student at Cambria Heights won the Communicating Science Award at Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh for his I5 Digital Video Competition project entitled, “Wind Farms in Western PA.”  His video was shown in the Carnegie OMNIMAX Theater!  He was awarded a first place trophy and $150!

 

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   The Altoona Mirror created the "20 Under 20: Future Leaders of Central Pennsylvania" program, now in its second year, to recognize high school students from across its coverage area for outstanding achievements in academics, the arts and community service.  Heidi Krantz, a senior, from Cambria Heights High School was selected to receive this prestigious honor.

 

 

 

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Keep PA Beautiful

 

 

 

Keep PA Beautiful is awarding Cambria Heights Elementary School $250 for our involvement in the Litter Free School Zone Program! For more information, please visit: http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/

 

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Cambria Heights Teacher Recognized as Conversation Educator of the Year

Mr. Nathaniel Wharton, a sixth grade science teacher at Cambria Heights Middle School, received the “Conservation Educator of the Year” award from the Cambria County Conservation District.  Mr. Wharton was recognized for his conservation efforts at an awards banquet on May 15, 2013.  Throughout the school year, Mr. Wharton transforms his classroom into a “living laboratory” in order for students to construct relationships between human actions and its impact on the environment. 

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