JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa.; May 22, 2024 – Nearly 30 Pleasant Hills Middle School students were recognized by the West Jefferson Hills School District Board for a variety of academic, artistic and athletic achievements during Tuesday's monthly meeting.

Student Council officers Tessa Obiero and Luca Slebrich read the district's Mission Statement and introduced the PHMS honorees, who received certificates from principal Dan Como and WJHSD Superintendent Dr. Janet Sardon.

Two PHMS Future Problem Solving teams, one in sixth grade and one in seventh grade, won their divisions at the Pennsylvania State Bowl and advanced to the International Future Problem Solving competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. from June 5-9.

Future Problem Solving State Champions:

6th Grade Team: Mila Downs, Nora Graff, Bailey Merrell, Alexa Thomas

7th Grade Team: Eli Doerfler, Austin Hinkle, Ollie Whitsel, Steven Wills

PMEA Elementary District Band: Gabriella Bernardi, Jayden Brinker, Gwendolynn Cantley, Evan Giliberto, Ian Luciew, Aislinn Verbanick

PMEA Junior High District Band: Cullen Kesser, Ava Lobaugh, Kaitlyn Luff, Isaac Stiteler

PMEA Elementary String Fest: Leah Davis, Mya Schlott, Daniel Shin

PMEA Junior High District Orchestra: Gabriella Deleel, Alex Lauver

PMEA Elementary Sing Fest: Savannah Bell, Amelia Dann, Leighton DePierre, Arya Tilford

PMEA Junior High District Chorus: Ainsley Dukes, Giuliana Ziegler

School Record-Setting Track & Field Team:

- Josh Charles (broke the PHMS record in 800 meters; previously set in 2019);

- Adam Wilson (broke the 110-meter hurdles mark; previously set in 2008);

- 4x100 meter relay team (Broke the school record three times this season, topped by :47.87: San Aung, Sonal Bhandari, Sam Grogan, Jason Pradhan, Mason Solomon. Jason Pradhan also broke the PHMS triple jump mark).

Members of the WJH Council of PTAs announced they would be purchasing and donating a book to each of the five school libraries in recognition of the Board and the work they do throughout the year on behalf of WJHSD students and administration.

Thomas Jefferson High School representatives Tyler Lautner, Alexis Marcinko and Jacob Palmer provided the Board with an update on some of the activities, achievements and upcoming events at the high school.

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