BVA graduates offer feedback on high school experience
Latest News
December 19, 2019

BVA graduates offer feedback on high school experience

By Mon Valley Independent

By EMILY BENNETT DILULLO

ebennett@yourmvi.com

In an effort to gauge college and career readiness of recent graduates, Belle Vernon Area High School conducted a data gathering event Thursday night where former students could express their thoughts about the education they received. 

On the anonymous questionnaires, students answered questions about their preparedness –– and were up front about the ways they think the high school could improve. 

Erin Sassak, 19, now a sophomore at California University of Pennsylvania, said her high school experience was a generally good one, citing her involvement with National Honor Society and participation on the soccer team. 

Sassak is studying early childhood education and has been receiving hands-on experience at Cal U for the past two semesters in a first-grade classroom. Her dream is to be a first or second grade teacher and said her exposure to the preschool program at BVA played a big part in her decision to pursue education as a career. 

“The preschool program was a class here, and it really gave me good experience since I am going into education,” Sassak said. “I was able to work with young kids and so I was able to use that going into college and using that experience.” 

She said she saw the value in helping out her alma mater by participating in the surveys. 

“I think it’s important to give feedback to help improve Belle Vernon,” she said. “I thought it seemed interesting; let’s see how BVA can improve and grow.” 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

Naomi Outreach honors veterans at annual luncheon
Latest News, Main
November 5, 2026
Naomi Outreach hosted its semi-annual luncheon for veterans Wednesday at the Clubhouse Grille at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Rostraver Township. Naomi Outreach was started in the early 1990s by Joni Kel...
Despite ‘blue wave,’ Valley-wide Republicans rack up wins
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
November 5, 2026
The Democratic blue wave swept over much of the nation and Pennsylvania on Election Day, but the Mon Valley managed to avoid the splash. The country may have seen a blue wave Tuesday, but across much ...
Monessen ready to welcome students back to the middle/high school
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
November 5, 2026
The school board is also set to vote on an online Spanish course for students. Monessen City School District officials are ready to welcome students back to its middle/high school. “I am excited to ge...
Shapiro ready to get to work after ‘trifecta’ win
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
November 5, 2026
Dems pull off Pa. government ‘trifecta,’ winning control of governor’s mansion, House and Senate. After years of watching legislation on wages, public transit and other priorities stall in the Republi...
Actress Caitlin O’Connor to lead Cookie Crawl through downtown Monongahela
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
November 5, 2026
The event also celebrates one of Western Pennsylvania’s most cherished culinary traditions: The wedding cookie table. For the MVI Downtown Monongahela is preparing for a sweet celebration on Saturday ...
PennDOT working to restore rare Western Pa. bridge
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
November 5, 2026
Dunlap’s Creek Bridge, in Brownsville, Fayette County, debuted in 1839 as the first cast-iron bridge in the United States. By ADAM BABETSKI TribLive One of Western Pennsylvania’s oldest bridges is nea...