Major events on hold for the Class of 2020
Latest News
March 23, 2020

Major events on hold for the Class of 2020

By Mon Valley Independent

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

 A 12-year journey has taken an unexpected turn for graduating seniors throughout the Mon Valley.

With schools shut down through at least April 6, they are facing a disappointing reality brought on by the coronavirus.

Will they be able to wear their dream dress to prom? Will they be able to play the sport they love with their team? Will they take the stage for one final bow in their spring musical? Will they walk across the stage to collect a diploma they have been working toward for the past 12 years?

There are no answers right now, leaving seniors to face the next chapter of their lives in the dark.

While students understand the need for such measures, this isn’t how they pictured their final year of high school coming to an end.

“I understand considering the pandemic, everyone is in a panic,” said Ringgold senior Sydney Kulsic. “I know it is safer to shut things down, but I am a little frustrated, mostly because I am not sure if the state will excuse the days we are missing.

“I want to graduate on time and I don’t want to graduate online. I want to walk and have the diploma I have worked so hard for. To think that might not happen is really disappointing.”

The closure, she added, is causing her constant worry.

“Am I going to graduate? Are the events we had planned still going on? Will school be canceled completely?” she asked. “No one knows. It is a constant worry.”

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

Class of 2026 graduates at South Allegheny
Latest News, Main
May 30, 2026
South Allegheny High School's Class of 2026 graduated Friday. Photos by Heather Hart / For the MVI
McKeesport teachers receive pay increase
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
May 30, 2026
Their base salary will rise from $44,000 to $50,000 per year. Earlier this month, the McKeesport Area school board unanimously approved a significant salary increase for district teachers following ne...
EF students, March Fourth partner in mental health effort
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
May 30, 2026
They produced a line of clothing featuring positive messages. Elizabeth Forward’s student-run business and a local nonprofit teamed up for a project to commemorate mental health awareness month in May...
Charleroi Area names top graduates
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
May 30, 2026
Commencement ceremonies for 122 graduates will be held Wednesday. Charleroi Area High School will hold its 2026 commencement at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Charleroi Area High School amphitheater. In the ...
Monessen Public Library to celebrate 90th anniversary
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
May 30, 2026
Special events will be held on June 6 to mark the library’s milestone. The Monessen Public Library will celebrate its 90th anniversary with special events from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6. Festivities wil...