Avonworth School District News

Avonworth High School proudly celebrated the graduation of 146 students in the Class of 2025.

This exceptional group is heading into a wide range of post-graduation paths that reflect both their talents and ambition.

From college campuses in Canada to Maine and beyond, our students are spreading their wings—many pursuing higher education at renowned universities and institutions. More than 20 of our graduates have committed to continuing their athletic careers as college athletes, representing Avonworth on fields, courts, and tracks across the country.

We are also honored to recognize four graduates who have chosen to serve our nation by entering the military. Their courage and commitment inspire us all.

Equally impressive are the many students embracing full-time careers straight out of high school. With career paths ranging from HVAC and auto service to cosmetology and other skilled trades, the Class of 2025 proves that success takes many forms.

Congratulations to all our graduates—your futures are bright, and we can’t wait to see where your journeys take you!

Click here for the graduation photo album on Facebook .

The end of the year was full of memorable experiences for the Avonworth Class of 2025!

View 2025 Graduation Photos

View 2025 Senior Walk Through Photos

View 2025 Prom Photos

Thank you to Kimberly Ifft Photography for generously sharing all of these amazing photos with our families.

We were proud to recognize the Avonworth High School hockey team for their incredible 2024–25 season and historic Penguins Cup Championship win! The 'Lopes delivered a standout performance all year, and their hard work, talent, and teamwork paid off in unforgettable ways.

Season Highlights:

• Regular Season Record: 15-5

• First-ever varsity playoff win in program history

• First Penguins Cup Championship in program history

• 4-0 playoff run, defeating:

  • Blackhawk 6-1

  • Quaker Valley 6-5

  • Moon 6-2

  • Mars 7-1 in the championship game

Championship Standout:
Austin Dzadovsky tied the record for most goals in a Penguins Cup championship game with 5 goals against Mars.

Team Contributions:

• 13 different players registered a goal or assist during the playoff run

• Goalie Danny Mack played every minute of every game—regular season and postseason

• Six All-Stars: Jack Dolan, Austin Dzadovsky, Linus Jesonowski, Cooper Powell, Danny Mack, and Conner Ralston

  
  

Career Milestones:

• Cooper Powell and Conner Ralston each surpassed the 100-point mark this season

• Conner Ralston now holds the record for most points in program history with 143

• The senior class capped their high school careers with PIHL titles at the middle school, JV, and varsity levels

  
  

Congratulations to the Avonworth hockey team on a truly historic season. The future of the program looks bright—and we couldn’t be prouder. Go ’Lopes! 🏒🥇🎉

On May 30, 2025, our fantastic sixth grade students laced up their sneakers for a walk-a-thon supporting Avonworth Community Park and the Class of 2031 fund. As part of our World of Work program, they also had the special opportunity to hear from Tammy Bellotti, the community organizer for the park, who shared fascinating stories about the history of Camp Horne, Accord, and Avonworth Community Park.

Encouraged to gather pledges from family and friends, our students truly rose to the occasion—raising an impressive $7,007.50! We are so proud of their enthusiasm and dedication to making a positive impact in our community.

Be sure to watch for a special sponsorship banner at the Avonworth Community Pool this summer—a wonderful tribute to the generosity and spirit of our students and their families!

We are proud to announce that the Avonworth School District earned three Gene Kelly Awards for our outstanding 2025 production of Sweeney Todd.

• Outstanding Supporting Actress – Congratulations to Harmony Karwoski for her exceptional performance as Johanna.

• Outstanding Crew/Technical Execution – Budget 1 Category

• Outstanding Vocal Ensemble – Budget 1 Category

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, talent, and collaboration of our students and staff. Your dedication continues to make Avonworth shine.

Congratulations to all involved!

In early June, forty-five 8th grade civics students traveled to the Allegheny County Courthouse to experience the Judicial Branch firsthand!

Students completed a writing assignment in order to be eligible for this enrichment field trip to learn more about our criminal court system. After passing through security, students met with police officers and police dogs from the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office K9 unit. Then, students were escorted to several different courtrooms to observe real criminal trials.

The Honorable Allegheny County Judges Thomas Flaherty and Elliot Howsie, as well as lawyers from the district attorney's office, also took time to talk directly to students visiting their courtroom. Students had previously learned about courtroom procedures and terminology in their Civics classes, but now were able to observe them in action.

After two hours of courtroom drama, students enjoyed lunch (and milkshakes) in the historic Pittsburgh Strip District before returning to school.

"On a wintry evening earlier this year, Avonworth School District, home to approximately 2,000 students in Allegheny County, hosted a graduation party. It included the typical pomp — clusters of balloons in school colors, streamers, graduation caps — but the circumstance was wholly unusual. This party feted the class of 2035, an experimental kick-off to a new strategic planning process that engaged students, staff, educators and community members in an exercise to think creatively about the future of learning in the district."

Read more of Remake Learning's feature story on the future of learning at Avonworth.

Students from our Impact Club recently participated in Invent2Prevent, a national program that challenges students to develop innovative strategies to prevent targeted violence and terrorism.

Their project was selected for its outstanding merit, and they had the honor of presenting it to representatives from the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.

We are incredibly proud of their hard work, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact in our world.

Each year, the Cultural Communications Alliance through the Global Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh sponsors an international business competition for high school students.

Teams are given a country and a product to market, then asked to present a marketing plan to a panel of judges. This year, Avonworth's team created a marketing plan for Sarris Chocolate's Peanut Butter Buckeyes to be marketed in Quebec, Canada. Congratulations on a job well done!

Team members are pictured left to right: Millie McAdams, Izzy Schuster, and Cami Intriago.

Students in the high school’s Today’s World and Food class had the opportunity to learn firsthand about small business ownership and coffee roasting during a special visit from Compass Point Coffee Company, based in Millvale.

Founder Rebecca Pietrusinski shared her journey as a local entrepreneur and coffee roaster, giving students valuable insight into the world of specialty coffee and what it takes to run a successful business.

The visit ended on a high note with a tasting of her freshly roasted and brewed coffee, which impressed the students.

At the annual Hi5! Celebration, APC was proud to shine! Dr. Miller, APC Principal, and Ms. Keane, Pre-K Transition Leader, were honored with a special Policy Champion Award—co-signed by the AIU, Trying Together, and the United Way!

This award celebrates the APC Kindergarten Transition Team’s dedication to advocacy and partnership, creating a warm, collaborative, and welcoming environment for students, families, and educational partners.

Avonworth Primary Center opened their doors to incoming Kindergarteners and their families for a Science Safari adventure.

Families participated together in a variety of activities related to animals found on a safari. Through engaging activities, participants were able to meet new teachers, classmates and show off their creativity.

It was a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a night out together and prepare for next fall!

Rain couldn’t stop the Avonworth spirit!

On April 26, 8th graders hosted the 7th Annual Chase the Antelopes 5K & One-Mile Walk, welcoming 200+ participants and raising over $7,000 for the Hannah Milbert Memorial Fund.

From planning to race day, students led every step—learning teamwork, leadership, and citizenship along the way. Congrats, Class of 2029!

Kindergarten got the inside scoop on weather from a real expert!

WPXI-TV Pittsburgh Chief Meteorologist Stephen Cropper visited our Kindergarten Investigations Class as part of their weather unit.

Over the past few weeks, our young scientists have been exploring weather by observing the skies, measuring temperatures, and even building their own weather tools!

Mr. Cropper’s visit brought their learning to life. He answered their thoughtful questions and shared fascinating insights about his job as a meteorologist. Our Kindergarteners were so excited to connect what they’ve been learning in class with real-world experience.

A huge thank you to Mr. Cropper for taking the time to inspire our future weather-watchers.

As part of our school-wide World of Work initiative, students at Avonworth Primary Center have the opportunity to explore a variety of exciting career paths.

Recently, second grade students stepped into the role of entomologists during their Investigation Classes, diving into the fascinating world of insects.

To bring their learning to life, Fern Hollow Nature Center visited our classrooms to provide an enriching, hands-on experience. Students interacted with a variety of insects and bugs, explored the roles of decomposers and pollinators, and even wore special bug goggles to see the world from a new perspective!

We are incredibly grateful to the Avonworth Fund for Educational Excellence, whose generous grant made this experience possible. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a meaningful and memorable way. Who knows? The next great Entomologist may just be a second grader from APC!

Avonworth Primary Center students have spent the year exploring a wide range of careers through the World of Work program.

After each investigation, they’ve had the exciting opportunity to meet real-world professionals and learn directly from their experiences.

Second grade students recently met Cole Pappas, a Mechanical Engineer with McKim and Creed Engineering Firm—and an Avonworth graduate who grew up in Ohio Township. Cole attended Avonworth from Kindergarten through graduation, making his visit especially meaningful for students and staff alike.

During his visit, Cole shared what it’s like to work as an engineer, described the educational path that led him there, and even revealed his own RIASEC letters—making connections between his career and the classroom lessons students have been exploring all year.

It was an inspiring opportunity for our second graders to see what’s possible when you dream big, work hard, and stay connected to your roots.

We proudly celebrated many of our incredible high school students at the annual High School Award Ceremony. In addition, our talented middle and high school artists showcased their beautiful works of art. Both events were highlights of our Spring Spectacular celebration.

Congratulations to everyone who received an award or displayed their artwork! Your hard work, dedication, and achievements are truly inspiring. We are so proud of you!

A special thanks to all of our community partners and donors!

AHS Arts Pathway students had an inspiring visit to Fiasco Art Center!

Artists Ben Tolman, Noelle Tolman, and Brad Bianchi welcomed students into their studios and home, sharing their incredible work in repurposed sculpture, pen and ink drawing, and slab ceramics. After the tour, students got hands-on with spray paint, creating their own art in the courtyard.

Huge thanks to Fiasco for a day full of creativity, learning, and inspiration!

Cultural Connections Day at Avonworth! On April 29, our Middle and High School students celebrated Arab American Heritage Month with a delicious cultural experience!

Students enjoyed falafel on flatbread topped with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki sauce — served with a flavorful side of tabouleh.

Avonworth School District welcomed Peaceful Forest, a Japanese taiko drumming band, including three of our very own students!

Yamato (2nd), Ryoma (5th), Sogen (7th), and their father performed for both Primary and Elementary buildings today. As a family their goal is to travel to all 50 states and complete 1,000 performances.

Today's performances were numbers #460 and #461.

We wish the Kato family luck in completing their goal!

Avonworth Primary Center students celebrated filling their token jar with a special performance by the talented duo, Josh and Gab! They brought catchy tunes, energetic dancing, and powerful messages of kindness and positivity, filling the room with smiles and laughter.

This uplifting event was made possible by our first-grade teacher, Mrs. Karen Russell, who selflessly used her WTAE Teacher of the Month winnings to bring this experience to our students.

Thank you, Mrs. Russell!

Congratulations to Alex Rowe, who was recognized during the 2025 Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Western Pennsylvania induction ceremony.

This annual event celebrates Jewish sports professionals and individuals who have made a significant impact on the Jewish community, while also supporting youth sports organizations through banquet proceeds.

Alex was one of 33 graduating seniors from across Western Pennsylvania honored for excellence in both academics and athletics. Among those students, only four were selected to receive scholarships.

Alex proudly received both the Nathan H. Kaufmann Scholastic Athletic Award and the Paul Bloom Memorial Scholarship.

We are incredibly proud of Alex and this well-deserved recognition!

We’re proud to celebrate Class of ’25 member Reed Reagan, who has been awarded the $10,000 Making the Trades Possible scholarship from #1 Cochran.

This prestigious award supports students pursuing careers in the skilled trades and recognizes Reed’s dedication and potential.

Reed will begin the Collision Repair program at Rosedale Technical College this August, taking the first step toward a hands-on, in-demand career in the automotive industry.

Congratulations, Reed! Your hard work and focus have paid off, and we can’t wait to see all you accomplish.

We’re proud to share that Dr. Dwulit, Avonworth High School Principal, was recently featured in the Pittsburgh Business Times for her involvement with the Community Leadership Course for Veterans (CLCV) — a program she helped bring to life through Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.

As one of the first educators to participate in the CLCV (now in its 12th cohort!), Dr. Dwulit continues to inspire by championing leadership, service, and community impact.

The CLCV brings together 22 U.S. military veterans from various branches for months of leadership training, networking, and service projects — all designed to harness their powerful potential as change makers in the Pittsburgh region.

Congratulations, Dr. Dwulit! Your passion for leadership and community is making waves far beyond our school walls!

Kidsburgh recently featured Avonworth School District!

Innovative school districts look to the skies, helping students climb higher.

"This story is one in a series created in collaboration with Future-Driven Schools to celebrate the work of groundbreaking school districts in the Pittsburgh region. Kidsburgh will share these stories throughout the 2025-26 school year.

We all want our kids to take flight as they grow. At three western Pennsylvania school districts, that statement has become far more than metaphor.

In the Pittsburgh area, where flying has a rich and deep history, a small but growing number of schools have made the decision to introduce teenagers to aerospace-related careers."

Read more in Kidsburgh!

SchoolCEO recently featured Avonworth School District!

When All the Boats Rise-

It seems we can’t talk about public education anymore without using a lexicon of competition. School choice policies, by their very nature, suggest an either/or mindset; either families choose this school or they choose that school. Thinking of schools as pitted against one another—as players in a competition—suggests that in order for one district to thrive, another must fail.

But that simply is not true.

Read more in SchoolCEO.

This year, Avonworth Primary Center joined the Learning Sciences Exchange (LSX), a national fellowship focused on improving family engagement in schools.

Principal Scott Miller collaborated with six other fellows—educators, researchers, and creatives—to design solutions based on feedback from parents.

At Avonworth, the focus was on supporting families who enroll mid-year. After hosting a roundtable with these families, the team created BRIDGE Builders—a program that connects new families with neighborhood representatives who can help them navigate transportation, child care, and local programs. Flyers with contact info will now be shared with all incoming families to help them feel connected from day one. The project builds on Avonworth’s work with Parents as Allies, a local initiative that emphasizes collaboration between educators and caregivers.

The full set of LSX projects will be presented at the virtual LSX Summit on June 24.

Click here to read more about this project as featured at newamerica.org.

Avonworth School District proudly hosted the premiere of Finding Stories of Wonder in the Land of Oz, an original student-created film reimagining Dorothy’s journey as a modern coming-of-age story rooted in science, technology, and environmental problem-solving.

The film was written, animated, scored, and acted by students from 17 Pittsburgh-area districts and featured a special introduction by Terry Thoren, founder of Wonder Media and former CEO of Klasky Csupo. Many student creators and their families attended the event, which marked the closing celebration of the 10th annual Remake Learning Days.

Finding Stories of Wonder in the Land of Oz can be seen here and will be available to stream nationwide on Wonder Media’s WonderGrove Kids YouTube channel, supported by a grant from The Grable Foundation.

We're proud of the Avonworth Class of 2025 and know they're destined to do great things. Check out our Senior Showcase to learn more about our graduating class!

• Senior Showcase - Group #1
• Senior Showcase - Group #2
• Senior Showcase - Group #3
• Senior Showcase - Group #4
• Senior Showcase - Group #5

Congratulations and best wishes to the Avonworth Class of 2025!

In May, we recognized and celebrated the amazing teachers who make a difference in our schools every day.

As the school year comes to and end, we thank you again for your hard work, passion, and commitment to our students' success.

The Avonworth baseball team finished their season with an impressive 18-4 record, capturing the section title and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

The team saw strong individual performances throughout the season. Mason Metz powered the offense with 10 home runs and an outstanding .520 batting average. Jack Dolan was close behind, leading the team with 30 hits and a .517 batting average.

On the mound, Cooper Scharding anchored the pitching staff with a perfect 6-0 record and a 2.4 ERA. Carson Franc also delivered a stellar performance, finishing 5-0 with an impressive 0.868 ERA.

Congratulations to the team on a remarkable season!

Congratulations to the Avonworth softball team on a successful postseason run. The team finished 3rd in the WPIAL and earned a spot in the PIAA State Tournament.

In their 3rd place WPIAL victory over Ellwood City, catcher Emma Obersteiner reached an impressive milestone with her 100th career hit.

The Antelopes' season came to a close in the first round of the PIAA playoffs with an 8-2 loss to Bald Eagle Area. Despite the early exit, the team has much to be proud of after a competitive and hard-fought season.

Avonworth track and field athletes wrapped up an impressive season at the WPIAL Class 3A Championships, competing against the region’s best and earning multiple top finishes, program records, and state qualification honors.

Girls Highlights

• 100m: Julia Doherty – 13th place

• 200m: Grace Kuretich – 18th place

• 400m: Grace Ermlich – 11th place

• 800m: Hope Stiteler – 20th place

• 300m Hurdles: Julia Doherty – 21st place

• 4x400m Relay: 8th place, WPIAL medalists (Grace Ermlich, Hope Stiteler, Grace Kuretich, Julia Doherty)

  
  

Boys Highlights

• 100m: Rowan Carmichael – 21st place

• Long Jump: Tucker Jeremias – 5th place, WPIAL medalist

• 4x800m Relay: 22nd place (Robert Persson, Henry Amick, Will Smith, Tyler Harold)

• 4x100m Relay: 6th place, WPIAL medalists, new all-time program record (Zion Ward, Rowan Carmichael, Savian Baptiste, Tucker Jeremias)

• 4x400m Relay: 6th place, WPIAL medalists, new all-time program record, qualified for the PIAA State Championship and finished 32nd overall in Class 3A (Tyler Harold, Rowan Carmichael, Will Smith, Savian Baptiste)

  
  

Congratulations to all our athletes and coaches for a successful season filled with hard work, personal bests, and lasting achievements.

As you know, we have reached the end of the construction and renovation project.

If you would like to look back on any of the information that was shared throughout the project, please visit our website.

Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, parents and community for their flexibility throughout this project!

If you have a child turning five years old before September 1, 2025, please register him or her for kindergarten as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

If you know a child in your neighborhood who will be five years old before Sept. 1, we'd appreciate if you would kindly share this information.

Registration Details:

Visit our website for all the necessary forms and details.

Completed registration packets can be dropped off between 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily at APC.

We look forward to welcoming your little one to the Avonworth School District!

Hello, Summer!

As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to pause, recharge, and soak up all the goodness that summer has to offer. While you're planning your adventures, be sure to make space for your mental and emotional well-being, too.

1. Step outside and soak it in. Nature has a way of lifting spirits. Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, tending to your garden, riding your bike, or simply lounging under a shady tree—fresh air can do wonders for your mood and creativity
2. Reconnect with your people. Summer is a great time to slow down and invest in relationships. Host a game night, plan a picnic, enjoy a backyard BBQ, or just call someone you've been meaning to catch up with.
3. Catch those ZZZs. A steady sleep schedule can make all the difference. Use this season to reset your routine and give your body the rest it deserves.

Prioritize what makes you smile.
Start a new hobby, revisit a favorite pastime, or simply spend a few quiet moments doing something that brings you joy. Little pockets of happiness can go a long way.

If you or someone in your family is facing mental health or substance use challenges, you’re not alone. Care Solace, a free and confidential service provided by Avonworth School District, is available 24/7/365. Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/avonworth to connect with care in your language, on your time.

✨ Bonus! Don’t forget to check out our Summer Transition Kit—created just for families to help ease into summer with confidence and calm.

Wishing you a joyful, restful, and sunny summer break. See you soon!

Avonworth School District is hiring for several positions. Visit our website for a full list of job openings. Applicants should contact Kristen Butler at kbutler@avonworth.k12.pa.us or visit our website for more information and to apply. EOE