Inaugural Year for the Bocce Team
This year marks the inaugural season for the USCHS
Interscholastic Unified Indoor Bocce team. The co-ed team, partially funded and sponsored by Special Olympics PA, is made up of an equal number of students with and without disabilities. The team is coached by Anne Wagner, a teacher’s aide at Streams Elementary, and Katelyn Nassar, who previously coached a similar team at Mt. Lebanon High School. Although it is not a WPIAL sport, the bocce team is managed by Upper St. Clair’s athletic department. All participants must complete PIAA paperwork and are recognized in the same manner as other Upper St. Clair club sports. “The Unified Sports concept is different from many with which people are familiar. It is not a ‘buddy’ or mentoring program. All participants train and compete as equal teammates,” said Anne. “One of the most important principles of Unified Sports is meaningful involvement, and that applies to all of the athletes. Each one is learning, working, and growing through his or her experiences at bocce. Through this model, the kids become friends and true teammates.” Sixteen players comprise the bocce team. Eight players compete during each match, while the other eight fulfill various game roles. All matches are played indoors on a gym floor. The response from the school community has been overwhelmingly positive, which Anne attributes to the school’s established climate of inclusion. Numerous student groups, including the football team, boys and girls basketball teams, varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders, as well as staff members, families, and friends filled the stands for the team’s first home match against Moon Area High School. “We had a positive response and a great group of fans in the stands at our home match. It was amazing!” said Anne. Serving as officials for the home match were Upper St. Clair High School’s assistant principals Dr. Dan Beck and Cara Senger. “The best part for us was seeing the support from our student body,” said Cara. “To see the student sports groups and other USC students, as well, cheering on our participants was special and provided an exciting environThe USC Panther shows support at a home match. ment as the teams competed.”
The Unified Indoor Bocce season runs from December through February. As with varsity athletics, teams compete in post-season playoffs. Two Allegheny County teams advanced to the state-level USC’s bocce team members competition, which was held late March in Hershey. The idea of creating a bocce program at the high school was initially suggested to Amy Pfender, assistant superintendent, in 2019 by a parent. After researching, connecting with officials from Special Olympics, program planning, delays due to COVID-19, and a comprehensive review and approval process from Special Olympics PA, the bocce team was launched. “The idea of a bocce team was shepherded by Amy, who brought together a group of individuals from the athletic department, student support services department, and the school’s administrative team for initial planning,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, high school principal. “One of Amy’s primary goals was to continue to develop and offer programs in Upper St. Clair that promote an inclusive school environment.” The high school has numerous other programs in place that promote a culture of inclusion, including SHOP@USC, Partners in PE, and Best Buddies, in addition to a strong partnership with the Miracle League of South Hills. The Interscholastic Unified Indoor Bocce team was a natural fit. “As a school district, we strive to continue to grow best inclusionary practices for all students,” said Amy. “Competitive bocce is a way to provide another equal opportunity for students. With the support of high school administration, the athletic department, and wonderful coaches, bocce is now alive and successful in USC.” There are 18 Unified Bocce teams throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, including Avonworth, Baldwin, Carlynton, Deer Lakes, Elizabeth Forward, Fox Chapel Area, Franklin Regional, Hampton Area, Montour, Moon Area, Mt. Lebanon, Norwin, Pine-Richland, Shaler Area, South Park, Sto-Rox, Upper St. Clair, and West Allegheny high schools. n To learn more about Interscholastic Unified Sports, visit https://specialolympicspa.org/interscholastic-unified-sports.
Cont. from page 63
PMEA Band Musicians USCHS senior Phoebe Chen was selected through competitive audition for the PMEA All-State Band. A flutist, Phoebe attended PMEA’s 2022 All-State Festival and annual in-service conference in April. In addition, Phoebe, along with students Lauren Tenney, clarinet, and Ben Wasson, trombone, were selected to participate in the PMEA Region I Band Festival in March. The students receive music instruction from Dr. John Seybert, USC’s director of bands. Phoebe Chen
Lauren Tenney
Ben Wasson
All-State Choir Four USCHS students—Skyler Bruno, alto 2; Rebecca Lang, soprano 1; Sia Iyer, alto 2; and Edy McCurrie, alto 2—successfully auditioned to participate in the PMEA All-State Choir this past April. The students receive music instruction from Lorraine Milovac, USCHS choral director. n
Skyler Bruno
Rebecca Lang
Sia Iyer
Edy McCurrie
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association is a statewide nonprofit organization of more than 4000 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance, as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities. PMEA is affiliated with the National Association for Music Education. 64
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2022
