

SFTSD Speaker Series

We are thrilled to roll out the green and white carpet for the South Fayette Township School District’s 2023-2024 Speaker Series! In collaboration with UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, South Fayette SHOUT Club, and Parents As Allies (PAA), we bring you a storytelling extravaganza with six fabulous individuals, each unveiling their mesmerizing tales!
Sean Gibson
Thursday, October 19th, 2023
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
In October, at the onset of the MLB playoffs and World Series, join Sean Gibson as he swings us through the powerful legacy of the Negro Leagues and his crusade to celebrate his legendary great-grandfather, Josh Gibson, with the honor of having MLB’s MVP Trophy named after him!
Vanessa Herring
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
November shines a spotlight on our very own Dr. Herring’s daughter, Vanessa Herring! From hosting a local Steelers show in high school to dazzling the screens hosting her own shows on a national television retailer, Vanessa’s journey is a glamorous ride you don’t want to miss!
Noelle Conover
Thursday, December 7th, 2023
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
"Matt’s Maker Space" has been a labor of love for Noelle. Her son Matt, who died at the age of 12, would have been a maker today. He loved to tinker and build. He was artistic and mathematical – a problem solver. Noelle will share the stories of how her and her team have created over 40 Matt’s Maker Space STEAM Labs to help create a generation of tinkers who can collaborate, innovate and think outside the box.
Bill Isler
January 11th, 2024
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
January brings cozy conversations with Bill Isler, the President and CEO Emeritus of the Fred Rogers Company. Gather round as he takes us back to his days with the heartwarming Mr. Rogers, crafting timeless joy and impactful spin-off shows such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood!
Joseph Yun
February 8th, 2024
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
Gear up for a techy February with Dr. Joe Yun! Dive deep into the world of AI and grasp the innovations and insights from our very own South Fayette genius, the AI and Innovation Architect for PITT, and one of the brains behind BlueFoxLAbs!
Jess & Jorgen Pedersen
March 7th, 2024
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
Hear tales from the dynamic husband and wife duo, Jess & Jorgen Pedersen! From waiting tables to becoming tech and robotics investors and pioneers, their stories will give us all the inspiration we need!
Zach Betz
April 4th, 2024
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
Join South Fayette Alumnus, Zach Betz, our TEDx star and advocate for Autism Acceptance, as he shares his remarkable journey from the silence of being fearful to share his story to moving thousands with his passionate words!
Champions of Hope
May 9th, 2024
7:00 PM
South Fayette High School Studio
In an inspiring presentation, district educators from all levels will delve into the profound concept of hope- exploring its scientific underpinnings and its transformative power in shaping our children's future. Often we place a high emphasis on academic excellence and achievement, but after attending this presentation, you will leave having learned the importance of a different GPA related to the power of hope. Our team of presenters will not only impart valuable knowledge but also ignite a collective commitment to nurturing hope in the hearts of students, ensuring a more successful and healthy future for them.
In partnership with the community, the mission of the South Fayette Township School District, a leader in innovation, is to elevate academic, artistic, and athletic excellence of the whole learner by inspiring the strength to be dynamic, ethical, and empathetic citizens who flourish in a global society.