Penn-Trafford High School has received the ‘Distinguished Secondary SAP Team Award’ for 2023 from the Pennsylvania Student Assistance Professionals Board of Directors.
SAP refers to ‘Student Assistance Program’ and involves a team of trained school personnel that meets regularly to identify and assist students and families in seeking appropriate help with mental health, academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs. The SAP team connects students and families with assistance both inside and outside of the school building. The team consists of administrators, school counselors, nurse, school psychologists, and several highly-invested teachers who function as mentors for the students (with mandatory parent permission) throughout the school day. Along with school staff, each team includes a Westmoreland County liaison representing both mental health and drug and alcohol systems.
PTHS was nominated for this award by Donna Cartia, the SAP Assistant Coordinator for Westmoreland County.
Dr. Amy Horvat (Assistant Principal) and Mrs. Lisa Popovich (School Nurse) attended the annual PASAP Conference in State College on Sunday, February 26 to accept the award on behalf of their team. The three-day conference included workshops presented by representatives from state-wide SAP team members and leaders, as well as agencies such as Kids’ Peace, Highmark’s Caring Place, and the University of Pittsburgh’s MAPS Program.
“Our team works tirelessly to find creative solutions to the issues that students face today,” commented Dr. Horvat. ”Each member of the team contributes and adds a different perspective to find solutions. I have watched the evolution of this team firsthand, and am so proud of what they’ve accomplished. I am thrilled that they are getting the recognition that they deserve.”
(Front) Miranda Frye, Colleen Jones, Linnea Sherma, Wendy Westwood, Brooke Hack, Jennifer Henney, (Back) Lisa Popovich, Hunter Owen, Jackie Bartko, Missy Sutmire, Amy Horvat, Greg Capoccioni, Jeff Fox, Josh Bujakowski, Sharon Spada, Patty Arzenti (Missing from Photo) Julie Falat, Patrick Griffith, Rachel Krouse
Dr. Horvat, Mrs. Cartia, Mrs. Popovich
