On Wednesday, October 10th, the documentary "Ride to Finish" will be premiered for the first time in the United States at Linton. The one-hour film tells the story of Penn Hills graduate and successful athlete Tony Lonero ('77) and his battle with multiple sclerosis.

The movie premiere will be the culmination of a day of activities for Mr. Lonero in the District, beginning with breakfast with student officers and selected guests and including a tour of the new Senior High School and visits with student forums, athletes, and clubs.

Mr. Lonero visited the Senior High School in November 2008 in order to film scenes for the movie about his life. The Penn Hills native and Hall of Fame Inductee played baseball for Penn Hills, Louisiana State University, the Italian Professional Baseball League, and the Italian Olympic Team. He said at the time that growing up in Penn Hills is what gave him the interior strength to face and overcome his biggest challenge--multiple sclerosis.

The movie screening will take place in Linton auditorium (250 Aster Street) at 7 pm. Admission is free. The film was produced by the Italian company The Movie Project, and the premiere is being held in conjunction with the local multiple sclerosis chapter.

Penn Hills Mayor Anthony DeLuca, Jr., has designated October 10th as Tony Lonero Day in Penn Hills. In addition, Mr. Lonero will be inducted into the East Boros Sports Hall of Fame on October 11th.

For more information on the film and Mr. Lonero, visit www.ridetofinish.com.

The 2012-13 school year saw two new student School Board representatives sworn in to attend meetings and keep the Board up to date on all of the student activities at the Senior High School.

Senior Class President Jordan Terry is on the cheerleading squad and was also named Homecoming Queen this year.  She stays involved in various school activities by attending all other sports' games to show support.  Outside of school, she works at McDonalds.

As a School Board representative, Jordan said she wants to keep the Board and the people of Penn Hills updated on what is going on and also bring them positive feedback.  "The most exciting aspect of being on the Board," she said, "is being able to have a voice and opinion that is heard and paid attention to."
 
Jordan does well academically, having been a high honor roll student since the 6th grade, and she plans to continue with her outstanding academic progress.  She said she enjoys most of the classes she takes, but some that stand out are biology, street law, history, and trig.

When asked about the positives of her school, Jordan said there are many positive aspects of the Senior High School.  Penn Hills students are willing to unify for great causes, she stated.  "We have so much pride and hope in our school," she explained, "and we are willing to do anything to carry that tradition on to later generations."

Although she has not decided on the school she will attend after graduation, Jordan said her top three choices are Ohio State, Howard University, and North Carolina A&T.  She plans to major in political science and minor in criminal justice.

Both of Jordan's sisters are Penn Hills graduates, and they also have furthered their education at Akron University and Tennessee State University.  Both have their Bachelor Degrees and are now going for their Master Degrees.  "I plan to follow in their footsteps and achieve as much as they have," Jordan stated, "and be very successful in life."

Serving with Jordan on the School Board is Student Council President Jonathan Morford.  As someone who has always loved being involved in his school, he has participated in many clubs and activities. He has been on the bowling team for three years and has also been a member of Key Club, Chemistry Lab Assistants, National Honor Society, SADD, Art Club, Best Buddies, and Student Council.  He was also class president for two years and was part of this year's Homecoming Court.

"I love taking on important roles and challenging myself to make a difference," Jonathan stated.  He said he knew when he went out for this position, it would be a challenge.  "I wanted to take it as a life-changing experience and use it to teach me lessons I will use the rest of my life."

Outside of school, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family, adding that he doesn't know how he would be able to do any of this without them.  "I expect to make a difference this school year," he said, adding, "I want to bring some more involvement and more enthusiasm back to the school from years ago."  When he hears stories of what Penn Hills used to be like, he said it gets him excited and ready to take on the challenge.  "I love taking on the challenge," he explained, adding that "anything out of the ordinary or outside of the box is what I look for to accomplish, something no one else has thought to do."

Jonathan said a good quote for him in his senior year would be, "reach for the moon, and, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."  No matter what happens, he said he knows what he is doing is a good thing and that's what he cares about most.

Jonathan said he loves going to school because the school unity is really phenomenal this year.  His favorite classes are the sciences.  He has taken all of the honors and AP course he could while staying on high honor roll.  He plans on furthering his education and eventually becoming a nurse anesthetist. Although he has not decided on a college, he has no doubts about his major.

At the student forum meeting in September, Jonathan said the students really proved something to him.  "All of us care," he said, "not just a select few but all. Everyone came together to say the school spirit we have this year is great and makes people want to come to school. The spirit provides a better atmosphere for the students, from better behavior to better attendance to more participation."  Anything you could think of that could improve this year, the student body has touched upon.  "I am proud of each and every student in PHHS for being so willing to accept the change and discover the opportunity we have this year!" he stated.

In September, Army veteran and wheelchair games medal winner Johnny "Quadzilla" Holland spoke to 4th graders at Penn Hebron. Mr. Holland's company, Van Products, provided a pizza lunch for the students.

An automobile accident in 1987 cost the Goldsboro, North Carolina, resident total use of his legs and some use of his arms. Since then, he has competed in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, bringing home medals in several sports.

Last year, the games were held in Pittsburgh. One of the most popular events at the games is Kids Day, which provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to be mentored by athletes at the games. At the Pittsburgh event, current Penn Hebron 4th Grader Dominic Rupert participated and had the opportunity to meet and become friends with Mr. Holland. Dominic, who has cerebral palsy, made such an impression on the participants that some of them contributed towards the travel costs for him and his mother to attend this year's games in Richmond. They plan on doing the same to get him to Tampa in 2013.

Mr. Holland planned on surprising Dominic with his visit since he knew the young boy is the only child in a wheelchair at Penn Hebron and has been for the past few years. Mr. Holland gave a presentation to the 4th graders as a way of giving back to the community, educating adults and children about those around them with special needs and teaching the children about adaptive sports. For his part, Dominic had the chance to show his fellow students some of the gear and equipment he uses when he plays hockey, including his special KISS helmet.  Some students also had the opportunity to see just how different life could be from a wheelchair.

Dominic first saw Mr. Holland playing softball. He said he looked just like a linebacker but sitting in a wheelchair. "He wears really cool dark sunglasses and seemed like a nice guy," Dominic said. He got to talk to him after his game, and discovered he really was a nice guy.  He also thought his nickname, "Quadzilla," was cool and is now impressed with the fact that he has a friend named "Quadzilla."

Mom putting on Dom's hockey gear

Asked how he felt about his friend surprising him, Dominic said he felt awesome, happy, and very shocked. "Quadzilla was at my school and in my house. I can't believe it!  He flew here from North Carolina just to see me!  Go Tarheels!" His friends thought Mr. Holland was very nice and awesome, and they really liked the pizza party. They weren't aware of all of the sports that Mr. Holland and Dominic play and thought that it was cool.

Dominic was asked about his experiences with kids his own age, how they deal with his disability, how accepting his classmates are. He responded that when he is in a store, kids always yell to their mothers to look at that boy in the wheelchair or they ask him what happened to him. He said his school friends accept him for who he is and don't really pay attention to his disability.  For kids that ask what happened to him, he says, "nothing happened to me. God just made me this way."

Dominic's mom, Michele, describes Mr. Holland as a man that served our country, had to deal with his disability, and gives back to everyone he meets to educate about having a disability. "I like to say these guys are our gentle giants," she said, adding, "Quadzilla is our hero in and out of a wheelchair."  In describing her son, she said he is a very driven boy and knows what he wants. He never says he can't and is her inspiration. "I would like people to know he likes pizza, chicken nuggets, playing hockey, and playing video games, just like all the other kids in the world," she explained, adding, "His legs just don't work like everyone else's at this time. With hard work, someday he may walk on his own.  Dominic is comfortable with himself, whether he is in a wheelchair or not."

Dominic also keeps a busier schedule than most adults. His activities include Cub Scouts, sled hockey for the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins, wheelchair basketball and rugby (through the Hope Network), and trombone in the school band (last year it was violin in the school orchestra).  He now travels with the veterans to the Annual National Veteran Wheelchair Games and did a project in May with Point Park College, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. His mom says he stays very busy, which may be a slight understatement.

Cool nickname and cool sunglasses, Dominic has learned a very important lesson from his friend. He said he has learned, "that it doesn't matter if you are in wheelchair or not, you can do or be anything you want. That people shouldn't judge, they should get to know people. That I should continue playing sports or whatever I want because I can do it." An incredible bit of wisdom from one so young and a lesson for all ages.

Principal Kristin Brown further explained that, "When discussing the event with the students, we emphasize the importance of community service people and stress that this day is a good day/way to say thank you to them."

Not only do some of the original parents return every year to help, it is also a nice way for those who work or cannot come to school to help and be able to participate. Mrs. Gula said the amount and variety of cookies just pours in from so many of the Forbes families.

Mrs. Brown said they try to get at least two students from each classroom to help. "They, of course, need to respectful and responsive representatives of our school," she added. They also like to have the students help in delivering the cookies so that means the students have to have the necessary permission.

People receiving boxes are very appreciative and look forward to their visit from Forbes children each year with the cookies, Mrs. Gula said. Many display the cards or signs that are included each year with the cookie boxes at their offices. They are so appreciative that their efforts are noticed and Forbes families are thankful to them. "It's also somewhat therapeutic as it gives people a way to remember and talk about 9/11," she explained, "while having a positive influence on the community." She said they hope it will help to instill a sense of pride, community, and service in our young citizens.

Students present cookies to Rosedale firemen

In September, representatives of the Linton Student Council visited Seneca Place along with sponsors Amanda Power and Linda Knaus, in order to participate in the Senior Olympics. The event began with the singing of the National Anthem (of course) and included competitions in target shooting (Nerf), shot put (softball throw), discus (Frisbee toss), and wheelchair races.

Students were paired up with residents to keep score and assist the seniors in moving from event to event. At the end, students raced each other in wheelchairs in order to add extra points to their senior's score.  Gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented to the seniors by their students.

6th grader Nadya Coleman keeps score for her two seniors in the shot put

Although Linton has a special relationship with Seneca, this activity was also part of an effort to get the students out into the community.

Ms. Power said that she and Mrs. Knaus have tried to instill in the students that community is vital. Both women grew up in Penn Hills, and many of the seniors at Seneca have lived in Penn Hills, or the Pittsburgh area, for the majority of their lives. "We can't always think about ourselves but rather our community and neighbors," she said, adding that "we have to pay it forward."

Ms. Power said she thought the event went very well. Many of the students were first-time visitors to Seneca and were a little nervous meeting new people. The residents, however, were warm and welcoming. She said they commented on what a nice group of kids they had and how much they enjoyed their company and hoped to see them again soon. "The students didn't even get in their seats on the bus and were asking when we are coming back to visit them," she said, adding that it was a very powerful and positive experience.

Mrs. Knaus agreed and said she heard residents talking among themselves and they were saying what a great bunch of kids the students were. She, too, emphasized that the students really enjoyed the experience and asked when they could return.

6th graders Jazzmin Tate and Michael Bodnar try to earn extra points for their seniors

Mrs. Knaus said that she and Ms. Power want the residents of Penn Hills to know what a great building Linton is. "I don't think they know all of the great things that Linton does and what a great bunch of kids we have," she explained.  She went on to say they are trying to teach the students to give back because there is too much emphasis on "me" with young people today.  She said she feels that students can learn a lot about life when working with the older residents. It teaches them about kindness, she explained. "I really enjoyed watching the kids interact with the residents," she stated, adding that seeing them hugging them and helping them get around made her so proud. 

From her perspective, Ms. Power said the community gains the insight that we have very caring, loving, thoughtful, and appreciative young adults. Linton is seen as "not only a place of potential but a place with many positive tangible things in existence." In return, students have the opportunity to see outside of their little world of Linton. They see and meet the seniors in the community who can share the history and past of the region as well as personal insight and stories, she explained. For many of the seniors who have no family left in the area or students who have a gap in their extended families, "it can fill just a little part of that void," she said.  (additional photos are available in the Linton Photo Gallery)