Fort Couch Team Earns Gold at History Bowl This past December, Fort Couch eighth graders Claire Birmingham, Alexa Galbraith and Kiran Khurana placed first in the middle school division (6–8) of the annual History Bowl, marking back-toback History Bowl wins. The event, sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, brings together hundreds of local students from dozens of school districts for a fun and experiential competition. History Bowl requires participants to use the John Heinz History Center’s collection to answer local trivia, collaborate/problem solve and demonstrate creative writing skills. Marching Band Earns Top Scores at PIMBA Competition The Upper St. Clair Marching Band earned first place, as well as Best Music Performance and Best Effect awards, in Class AA at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (PIMBA) competition held at Mt. Lebanon High School. The performance featured the marching band’s Graceland to Liverpool show. The band is under the direction of Dr. John Seybert, performing arts curriculum leader and director of bands. The band was led on the field by USCHS senior Brian McFerran, drum major.
#HaveYouHeard? Have Hav eYou Heard? Students Explore Technology-Based Career Pathways Students at USCHS explored Full Sail University’s Mobile Experience. Housed in an 85-foot trailer, the Mobile Experience offers hands-on exhibits in five technologyrelated areas, including Art, Animation and Design; Game Design and Esports; Video Production; Technology and VR; and Audio Engineering. Full Sail University staff presented different opportunities in the music, movie production and gaming fields, including the production and business-side of the industry. “Students were surprised at the opportunities available in the different industries that were presented,” said Monica Erwin, USC Esports Club sponsor. “This gave students options for different pathways they may not have known even existed and/or how to pursue that pathway or interest.” Located in Winter Park, Fla., Full Sail University offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 40
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2024
Robotics Team Advances to State Competition This past December, Upper St. Clair robotics team Blue Biohazardz placed third overall in the Western Pennsylvania FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Grand Championship, advancing to the PA-West FLL Championship. The team also placed second in robot design and ninth in robot performance. This marks the first time that a USC Robotics team has advanced in this competition. The Blue Biohazardz team of eighth graders includes Sadie Dilmore, Noa Guizzi, Lily Seal, Suhavi Singh, Mahi Thacker, Emma Wakefield and Betsy Zheng, as well as seventh grader Aanya Jha. Coaches include Jake Seal, Amrit Singh and Susan Wakefield. M o re t h a n 6 0 t e a m s f ro m throughout the region competed in the event and were scored in four categories: robot design, innovation, core values and robot performance.