FREE! NOVEMBER 2024 Vol. 21 Issue 6
Read us online at Community Spirit Shines at West Elizabeth Community Day Page 10
messengerpaper.com PennWest Receives $3.2 Million Gift to Enhance Early Childhood Education Page 14
South Park Native Serves Aboard Future Navy Warship Page 30
EF Marching Band Wins 2nd Place at TOB District Championship The Elizabeth Forward Marching Band won second place on Oct. 19 at the Tournament of Bands Chapter 8 Championship. The Warriors band finished with a score of 80.1, according to EFHS Band Director Jessica Sapp. It’s the first time the band, which features musicians in grades 7-12, scored in the 80th percentile since 2014. Tournament of bands (TOB) is a nonprofit organization that that sanctions marching band, color guard, and drumline, competitions in the MidAtlantic and Northeastern United States. While TOB has member bands in many states, Pennsylvania is one of its most competitive districts featuring more than 220 bands. This Saturday, Oct. 29, the band will perform at the TOB’s State Competition at Altoona's Mansion Park Stadium. “I am very proud of the progress the students have made over the last few months,” Sapp said. “The seventh, eighth and ninth grade students have made the most progress musically because they did not have a band teacher prior to
our June rehearsals. Meanwhile our upper classmen have been hard at work adjusting to our new staff. The Warrior band moved on to compete in the state finals October 29 in Altoona.
Blood Drive Set in Finleyville for November 18 Mingo Creek Presbyterian Church, located at 561 Mingo Church Rd. in Finleyville is sponsoring a blood drive on Nov 18, from 1:30PM - 6:00PM. During this season of gratitude, we honor the profound impact donors have on patients in need. Donate Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, 2024, and you will be automatically entered in the ‘Make a Difference Giveaway’ for a chance to win one of three $10,000 gift cards. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed. To schedule an appointment at vitalant.org, use code UG0010246 or zip code 15332. You may also call 1-877-25VITAL or use the Vitalant mobile app.