Seneca Valley pays homage to district pride with new road signs
JACKSON TWP — A new symbol of pride will be greeting drivers entering the borders of Seneca Valley School District.
On Monday, Nov. 3, the district presented its new “Home of the Seneca Valley Raiders” road signs during a ceremony just off the main campus in front of a crowd of students, parents, administrators and local municipal leaders.
The project was introduced by a team of students last spring and aims to boost school spirit among the thousands of community members that call the district home.
“This is just a really good memory to have from high school,” said senior Elaina Donahue, who, along with fellow students Corey Wolfe, Adelyn Paul, Alaina Hahn and Nathan Taylor, spent countless hours bring the signs to life. “(It’s) something that I’ll always be able to look back on and say that I was a part of with people I care about.”
More than 30 reflective signs will be planted throughout the nine municipalities that make up Seneca Valley, which covers more than 100 square miles. Each sign denotes the school’s logo and serves as a reminder of the unity that binds the communities.
“They’re throughout the whole community and will just leave a lasting impact,” said school counselor Lisa Graham, who served as an adviser throughout the project.
Students also insist they are more than just a display for those passing through. They conducted research showing that visible signs of school pride can have tangible, positive benefits, including improving mental health, attendance and a sense of belonging.
“I love this school,” Donahue added. “I think it’s the best place I could have been at this time in my life. I think no matter what happens next year, or even later in life, this will always be something that we can all be proud of.”
Seneca Valley health and physical education teacher Mike Manipole connected with local leaders from each municipality to coordinate the approval of the signs and assist with distribution. Manipole also is vice chairman of the Cranberry Township board of supervisors.
“Our municipalities here are very proud of the accomplishments of our community members,” he said. “They realize that, collectively, all of our contributions all add together. The partnership with the school is so very, very valuable. We’re able to do so many more things together because everyone’s so willing to help.”
For Seneca Valley, the signs are representations of the growth and shared experiences that will define the district moving forward. Manipole said it’s about building a home where everyone can feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves.
“Everyone needs a place to belong,” he added. “When you develop pride in your school, you’re more likely to become active in it. When you’re proud of your community, you’re likely to be more actively involved and volunteer. What we’re trying to do is establish a home that, when our students leave here after school, they hopefully want to return here.”
