Alumni return to high school for career series

Who says you can’t go home? Graduates of Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School in Allegheny Valley School District are saying just the opposite. A number of alumni are returning to the school to talk about careers with current students. Enough in fact for the idea to have become a series. “Things started with Dr. Monica Corsetti,” explained program creator Susan Mellon. “She reached out to me and offered this opportunity. For Tori Bonidie [the second volunteer] her aunt connected the dots, but Tori was more than willing to do this.” Mellon is currently working on additional presentations, several of whom randomly contacted her without knowing about the others.

Mellon, the district’s gifted coordinator, responded to the offers, knowing that the presentations would align with the PA Career Standards. She developed a program that has transpired over the last few months. “All 7th and 8th grade students attend during their rotation period,” Mellon explained. “Students in grades 9-12 may participate in either period or may opt for an after-school session.” The presentations have had good participation from students in grades 9-12, and the speakers have planned interactive activities which have been well received by the seventh and eighth graders.

“This [series] supports our district’s work towards career awareness,” commented Mellon, “and I feel that the students like hearing from a SHS alum and hearing from someone on the younger side of things.” Most of the speakers have graduated from the district within the last 10-15 years.

However, Mellon has been contemplating reaching out to some other alumni from all age groups and experience levels. “I have always enjoyed the character of so many SHS students,” she says. “I think that…volunteering to do this [program] is indicative of the wonderful character of individuals in the Allegheny Valley community.”