The Woodland Hills School District Board of Directors recognized several students and staff members for their achievements during the September 16 board meeting.
High school students Noah Baverso, Emilee Bellows, Lydia Brown, Zoey Bostard, Beckett Ciocco, Avee Farrar, Annabel Johnson, Charlotte Kovach, and Cameron Peretti were recognized alongside advisor Ms. Jodi Blasi for placing third in the 2025-26 Phipps Conservatory Fairchild Challenge.
The Fairchild Program is a multidisciplinary competition that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of the environment through art, video, research, and more. The school was awarded $250.00 to use towards environmental science.
Senior Beckett Ciocco was recognized for his selection to attend the House Session at Congress Hall in Philadelphia on September 9th. This opportunity was created to honor Pennsylvania's foundational role in American democracy, recognize the historical significance of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and provide a meaningful, statewide civic learning experience for high school students focused on state government and civic responsibility.
Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy students Keira Jolliff-Thomas and Paige Hill were honored for their compassion and kindness towards others. The two helped a pair of new students adapt to their new school and made sure to play with the new students at recess. The Edgewood staff shared that their actions made the new students feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging while at a new school.
Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy student Mateo Guzman was recognized for his selflessness in helping a fellow student. Principal Dr. Jean Livingston said Mateo jumped in to assist one of the kindergarten students with mobility issues and it was the most heartwarming interaction she has seen in a long time.
The transportation department was recognized for their extra work in addressing transportation needs during the start of the school year. The start of the year is always a challenge for school transportation services, and Garrett Reid, Christine Thompson, April Robinson, and Michelle McClellan rose to the occasion.
The facilities department was recognized for their efforts to prepare schools for the start of the year, including addressing unexpected issues and ensuring our buildings are clean, safe, and in working order. Thank you to facilities director Ben Bawden and staff members Kevin Harper, Alan Hopf, Dave DiNinno, Jaclyn Handlow, and Tim Russo, along with the rest of the staff.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone for your contributions to the Woodland Hills School District.