‘Faces of McKeesport’ helps tell the city’s story

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Nya O’Neal, a 16-year-old McKeesport High School student, identifies as an introvert and said interviewing community members and capturing their photographs is helping her come out of her shell.

She has an interest in community service and photography, so she’s been attending YouthCAST/McKeesport Community Newsroom events and photo safaris for two or three years. It gives her a chance to find her photographic eye, sharpen her skills with the camera and take advantage of a relaxed environment where she can sharpen her conversation skills.

O’Neal and a group of her peers from YouthCAST put those skills to work over the weekend during the “Faces of McKeesport” photography project. 

When the project is complete, the people of McKeesport will get to see a photographic mural featuring the faces of their friends and neighbors, according to McKeesport Community Newsroom Project Manager Martha Rial. 

“I wanted to be here to have an opportunity to interact with people of the community,” O’Neal said. “This is giving me a chance to ask people what they’re interested in and how they are involved in the community. … We’re just trying to get out into the community and give people a sense of togetherness, which is so important, especially right now.”

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