Seneca Valley is making history with every snap, pass and touchdown. In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of SV’s newer sports, girls flag football. From its student-driven origins to its rapid success, this program is making a big impact on and off the field. Listen as we discuss how the team was formed, the excitement of the first season, how to get involved and more!

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• An overview of Seneca Valley’s Girls Flag Football Team
• Growth of the sport
• How SV's Girls Flag Football is impacting female athletes
• Coach Eden receives Good Neighbor Award from NexTier Bank
• How to learn more about Seneca Valley’s Girls Flag Football Team
  • https://athletics.svsd.net/girls-sports/flag-football/overview

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics & Activities Director and Mr. Chris Eden, Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School and head coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Flag Football Team.

Ms. Lewis, entering her 14th year as the District’s Athletic & Activities Director, has previous experience as the chief operating officer for USA Field Hockey, a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic National Governing Body. As part of this role, she hosted major events for the International Federation of Hockey, supported the women’s and men’s national teams in international competition, and assisted in the reorganization of the Association’s executive leadership structure. She also has previous experience as the head field hockey coach, head women’s lacrosse coach, associate athletic director and assistant athletic director for Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. Additional experiences include time spent as an official for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and president of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

A former athlete herself, Ms. Lewis was a regional All-American and All-ACC and captain of the field hockey team, and regional All-American and NCAA champion for women’s lacrosse, all while at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Lewis has a bachelor’s of science in zoology and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Eden is in his 10th year of education and 5th year at Seneca Valley, where he teaches Health and Physical Education at Ryan Gloyer Middle School. He is passionate about helping others, promoting wellness through movement, and fostering health literacy among his students. Additionally, Chris enjoys exploring the many benefits of integrating technology into the classroom. Outside of teaching, he is passionate about the outdoors, working out and coaching football.

Discover the essential role of Seneca Valley's Student Services Department in supporting students' academic, social, emotional and physical well-being. This episode highlights the wide range of special education programs and resources available to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• A general overview of SV's Student Services Department
• Types of special education programs that are offered
• Student counseling services across the district
• Transition programing and community partnerships
• How students and parents can access resources and support provided by the Student Services Department

SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Cassandra Doggrell, Director of Student Services; Dr. Mallory Eyles, Assistant Director of Student Services and Ms. Ashley Pattison, Special Education Supervisor

Dr. Cassandra Doggrell began her career at Seneca Valley in 2010 as an Autism and Emotional Support Teacher at Rowan Elementary. She has held various administrative positions, including Principal of Haine Middle School and Assistant Principal at Evans City and Haine Middle. Before returning to Seneca Valley, she spent five years at Upper St. Clair School District as Director of Student Support Services and Special Education. Her research and practice interests include comprehensive mental health systems in schools, students with autism, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and inclusionary service delivery models. Dr. Doggrell holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Mallory Eyles has been working in the Seneca Valley School District since 2011. She has filled a variety of roles within the district including School Psychologist, Assistant Principal at Rowan and Evans City Elementary, Assistant Director of Special Education and currently, Assistant Director of Student Services. Dr. Eyles received her Doctorate in Psychology from Duquesne University.

Ms. Ashley Pattison began her career at Seneca Valley School District in 2008 as a learning support teacher and later developed the district’s elementary life skills program. She has served as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, and currently works as the supervisor of special education, overseeing programs for students with exceptionalities. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a School Supervision Certification from Slippery Rock University.

Two Seneca Valley students are working together to make a difference by raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In this episode, you'll learn all about their Student Visionaries of the Year fundraiser, ways to donate and how this campaign supports blood cancer patients.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What's the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• The Student Visionaries of the Year program
• Details about fundraising efforts
• How to donate
  • Student Visionaries of the Year Pittsburgh

SPECIAL GUESTS
Seneca Valley juniors, Mr. Samuel Boyer II and Miss Roshini Umesh

Mr. Samuel Boyer II is a junior at Seneca Valley Senior Highschool. He is the vice president of the Key Club as well as Future Business Leaders of America. He is also involved in organizing a financial literacy presentation for the senior class.

Miss Roshini Umesh is an aspiring physician-scientist who is dedicated to making a difference in her community. She founded HEART Volunteers, a program that supports hospice patients through personalized care and meaningful initiatives. Miss Umesh combines her affinity for healthcare with policy, and she hopes to make a difference through legislation. She is also involved in Academic Decathlon, Youth and Government, Science Honor Society, and plays the piano and violin.