BVA seniors create new school sign

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

A team of seniors at Belle Vernon Area High School used the skills learned in engineering class to design and construct a new sign for their alma mater.

The students undertook the challenge as part of their Project Lead the Way Engineering Design and Development capstone course, with funding provided by cfsbank of Charleroi and DMI Companies. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides students with a hands-on classroom experience. They learn in-demand technical skills as well as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

The engineering students worked throughout the school year along with graphic design students to come up with the design for the new sign. Then they presented their ideas to the school board and the school community, with all high school seniors eligible to cast a vote.

“The old sign was very, very old. The winning design was selected through Google Survey,” said district business manager Crystal Clark.

The collaboration was able to be carried out whether the students were taking classes remotely due to the pandemic or back in the classroom.

“This project epitomizes an authentic learning opportunity,” said Heath Curran, assistant vice principal at BVAHS. “Mr. (Michael) Pappas’ PLTW courses allow for students to learn with a hands-on, minds-on approach.  The students involved in this project experienced the entire process for the new school sign from design to installation. The students learned well beyond the walls of the classroom and will leave a legacy at BVAHS.”

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