The event raised $1,581, nearly $800 more than last year's THON.  Those who attended were able to grab some food and play a variety of games in the gym, as well as participate in dance sessions in the auditorium.

Congratulations, Stevens, on a job well done!

Thanks to nearly 400 generous alumni, parents, families, community members, businesses and organizations, the WASD Education Foundation's Return to Glory capital campaign has raised (to date) nearly $2.3 million, or about 85 percent, of its $2.7 million goal for renovations to STA Stadium at WAHS.

"We've been very fortunate to have such strong support from our community, as well as with the overall success of the campaign thus far," said Executive Director Greg Hayes.   

During the current school year alone, the campaign has raised $368,720, the bulk of which came from a $242,837-grant the foundation secured from the Commonwealth last fall, with remaining donations and commitments continuing to stream in from the community and employee contributions.

Renovations to the 43-year-old venue include a new artificial turf and eight-lane track, along with other infrastructure improvements.  Construction at the stadium is set to begin later next month with completion projected for this fall.  A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for late May.

While work is scheduled to begin, the campaign must still close a little more than a $400,000-gap to meet its goal.  Making it easy to give is one aspect of the campaign that the foundation believes has helped drive its success, as donors are offered flexible, long-term payment options.  

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!  You can donate now, or review a full scope of donation options, including payroll deduction for WASD faculty and staff, by clicking here. 

WAHS helped "Paint Williamsport Blue" in observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month during First Friday events downtown on April 3.

Throughout the evening, students from National Honor Society, Key Club and student government joined forces with other volunteers to help the Susquehanna Valley Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) raise awareness about Chid Abuse Prevention Month by delivering bundles of blue and white balloons, as well as informational flyers, to downtown businesses. 

Thanks to photographer Mark Nance with the Williamsport Sun-Gazette for the photo shown here!

The WAHS Career and Technical Education department's programs continue to grow with mounting success.  One program in particular is growing in more ways than one, and has expanded its curriculum this year with new instructor, Mrs. Kristy Etzler.   

This year, the horticulture students, all of whom are members of Future Farmers of America (FFA), are getting more experience in landscaping than the course's previous basic floral design and gardening focus.  While the course's former elements are still incorporated, including use of the high school's impressive greenhouse space, Etzler's students are taking on larger projects through the field of landscaping.  

Currently, students are working on erecting a retaining wall at the back entrance to the Fine & Performing Arts (as shown above).  Weather permitting, students should have work wrapped up by graduation.  The retaining wall is just one example of the kind of rigor the new curriculum brings with it.  Etzler also plans to have her students install a pond in one of the courtyard areas of the school, as well as design and create the landscaping around the bus loop.