Category Archive: Education
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Westmoreland County Students Propose New Uses for Historic Vacant Building in Monessen, PA
PHLF News
by PHLF Intern William Prince
April 1, 2010On March 22 & 23, 2010, PHLF and the Greater Monessen Historical Society hosted the 14th Annual Architectural Design Challenge for schools in Westmoreland County. Over 100 middle school and 40 high school students participated, from Belle Vernon, Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem, Laurel Valley, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Penn Trafford, Valley, and Yough school districts.
The students began this project in October 2009 by visiting the design site in Monessen, PA. They were assigned the task of (1) building a model showing a new use for the vacant and historic Monessen Savings & Trust Building of 1904-06 and (2) drawing a streetscape showing design improvements for the 500 Block of Donner Avenue. Through this experience, they learned about the history, architecture, and unique character of Monessen, PA.
Twenty-six teams presented their work on March 22 and 23, 2010 to a jury of architects, urban planners, and interior designers. The event was held at Monessen Senior High School and awards were presented. Students described their concepts during a 6-minute oral presentation and then entertained questions and comments from the judges.
Models showed the former Monessen Savings & Trust Building repurposed as a place of activity and entertainment housing a variety of new uses: a community center, sports emporium, day-care and tutoring center, candy store and yoga center, restaurant/hotel/coffee shop, family fun center, arts and music center, roller rink, physical therapy and exercise studio, and under-21 dance club, among other ideas. Many teams included “green-building” concepts such as roof top gardens, “living” walls, solar panels, Energy-star appliances––but the greenest feature of most models was reusing the existing building.
The judges were impressed with the students’ concepts and with the models they built to scale. Walls were constructed out of foam core, wood, or cardboard, and furniture and architectural details were crafted out of many materials, including clay. One team even created a pond filled with real fish in the vacant lot adjacent to the Monessen Savings & Trust Building.
The students learned a lot about teamwork and time management––and they gained an appreciation for the architecture and the history of main street communities. “Before this project I found the former Savings & Trust Building to be an eyesore,” said one student. “Now, I look at it as a structure that only needs to be renovated” and brought back to life for the city of Monessen.
The following photos show the project site in Monessen and some of the projects presented on March 22 & 23, 2010.
Tribune Review Article
Architectural Design Challenge Process
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Thank You Volunteer Interns
PHLF welcomes college and graduate students as volunteer interns throughout the year––and we are fortunate to have each one of them helping with educational programs, preservation activities, photography, and research.
Recently, we have been especially fortunate to have Evan Regan-Levine (Georgetown University), Kelley Folts (Virginia Tech), Erin Shilling (Oakbridge Academy of Art), and Jenna Houseman, Sydney Karpowich and Laura Becker, all from the University of Pittsburgh.
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PHLF Awards Six Scholarships to College-Bound Students
by Louise Sturgess
PHLF News
June 12, 2009On June 12, during a luncheon celebration, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) awarded a record number of scholarships to high-achieving college-bound students who are involved in their communities and value Pittsburgh’s history, architecture, and landscape design. “We received 68 applications this year,” said PHLF Trustee and program founder David Brashear, “and were able to award six scholarships, thanks to a successful fund-raising event last year that gave us the resources to expand our scholarship program and several new trustee commitments this year. In these challenging economic times, we know our support is needed more than ever.” The six scholarship recipients are:
- Matthew G. Boyas of Upper St. Clair High School;
- Keri S. Dantley of West Allegheny High School;
- Eric J. Dingess of Sewickley Academy;
- Sarah Joy Gilmer of Pittsburgh Schenley High School;
- Laura M. Greenberg of Pittsburgh Allderdice High School; and
- Nicholas P. Stamatakis of Montour High School.
The scholarship, for book and tuition expenses only, has a maximum value of $4,000, and is made payable to the recipient’s college/university over a four-year period. “The Landmarks Scholarship Program is helping our organization build relationships with capable young people who share our values,” said Louise Sturgess, Executive Director. “It is the culmination of our educational programs for many thousands of students (K-12) in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, and gives students an incentive to excel in school, become involved in their communities, and explore their city in a meaningful way.”
Since 1999, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has granted 35 scholarships to a remarkable group of young people. Eighteen students are Pittsburgh Public School graduates and seventeen are graduates from other schools within Allegheny County. Eighteen winners have already graduated from prestigious colleges, and at least five scholarship recipients are living and working in Pittsburgh: three are architects, one is an engineer, and one is a bridge inspector.
The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Scholarship Program is offered each year. Applications for the 2009-10 school year will be available in Jan. 2010. Applicants must:
- be a resident of Allegheny County;
- be a high school senior who has been accepted to a college or university;
- have a cumulative Grade Point Average at the end of the first semester senior year of 3.25 or greater; and
- write an essay on a certain topic, complete an application, and submit two letters of recommendation.
2009 Landmarks Scholarship Recipients: Student Profiles
Matthew G. Boyas
A graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, Matt Boyas will be attending Dartmouth College to study History.
Matt completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma program at his school, has served as secretary of the National Honor Society, editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine, and has been active in the music department. He also volunteered as the head junior docent at “Woodville Plantation,” a National Historic Landmark in Collier Township, where he “displayed leadership, integrity, and initiative far beyond the typical high school volunteer,” according to Rob Windhorst, President of Neville House Associates.
Matt’s scholarship essay describes how, as a relatively new Pittsburgher, he and his family took steps to learn “about the background and traditions of our new home…my years devoted to historical preservation and interpretation at Woodville have opened my eyes to the history that surrounds me on a daily basis…preserving history takes dedication, planning, foresight, and resources, and I am privileged to have been able to contribute to this effort in a small way in my hometown.”
Keri S. Dantley
A graduate of West Allegheny High School, Keri Dantley will be attending Kent State University to study Sports Administration.
Keri divides her time between a number of activities, including student government, sports, a management position at her part-time job, and volunteer work. She has participated in mission trips and youth ministry at her church and has worked in the guidance department at her school.
As a member of West Allegheny’s Track and Field team, she has competed successfully at the state level, including being made a member of the All-State team. She has been com-mended for her “calm, responsible, and respectful attitude in potentially stressful situations.”
In her scholarship essay, Keri describes a sunset over Downtown Pittsburgh with a sense of awe: “The golden orange sun illuminates the dark tinted glass” of the buildings in the Golden Triangle, as “vibrant colors dance across the rivers’ shores.” Pittsburghers “thrive because of the city that they are in…A city driven to succeed.”
Eric J. Dingess
A graduate of Sewickley Academy, Eric Dingess will be attending the University of Pittsburgh to study Political Science.
Eric distinguished himself at Sewickley as “one of the most respectful, persistent, and diligent students” in the school, according to faculty. Very soon after transferring to the school, he was “thriving in [the] vigorous academic environment.” He was president of the Mock Trial Club, and was involved with the ACLU, Boy Scouts, and local soccer leagues.
In his scholarship essay, Eric described some of Pittsburgh’s great buildings, noting “how a city’s architecture can bring pride to its people.” He tied the evolution of buildings in Pittsburgh to the need for flexibility and adaptability. For example, he described the “daunting task” of lowering the Grant Building’s lobby as “a great example of human ingenuity.”
Sarah Joy Gilmer
A graduate of Pittsburgh Schenley High School, Sarah Gilmer will be attending American University to study Economics.
Sarah has been active in school and worship bands, the Girl Scouts, and her church.
Her volunteer work has included the Pittsburgh Project and relief work in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She has an “intense focus” and “works very hard to ensure success,” including completing classes in Macro- and Microeconomics at the Community College of Allegheny County and the University of Pittsburgh, respectively.
Sarah’s family was a “prominent force and voice in the community,” including being the owners of one of the first privately-owned, small, African American businesses in Pittsburgh. Sarah writes, “My family history and their connection to the development of Pittsburgh greatly influences me to do my best to not only develop the city, but the world.”
Laura M. Greenberg
A graduate of Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, Laura Greenberg will be attending the University of Miami to study Architecture.
Laura has consistently shown an “intense personal involvement” with architecture. She participated in CMU’s Architecture Explorations from 3rd through 10th grades and in an after-school class related to urban planning. A member of the National Honor Society, she exhibits a “curiosity and depth of perception” that helps her “excel… in every phase of classroom activity.”
Laura’s scholarship essay describes the many interactions with architecture that she has had. She notes the difference between the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. “The most interesting thing that I have realized in my explorations is the way in which the neighborhoods relate to one another, and that interest helped me decide to become an architect.” She also emphasizes the way neighborhoods change over time. For example, Lawrenceville “stands as a testament to the power of urban planning and architecture, while still retaining its identity and reflecting its history.”
Nicholas P. Stamatakis
A graduate of Montour High School, Nicholas Stamatakis will be attending the University of Pittsburgh and plans to double major in engineering and music.
As one of Nick’s teachers noted, “While Nick is a stellar student, he is also very active in our community.” Besides being a member of the National Honor Society, Nick became an Eagle Scout in 2008, and was elected as president of both the Law Team and the Marching/Jazz/Concert Band. He is actively involved in music, serving as an accompanist for the chorus in addition to playing the saxophone.
Nick’s scholarship essay describes the unique combination of geography and architecture that defines Pittsburgh and that has defined his own life. After seeing a striking picture online, Nick writes that “In a moment the landscape and architecture depicted in the picture brought back a flood of memories…I understood at once how important the physical attributes of the region are in determining my identity as an individual and how I as an individual truly know the region.”
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Founded in 1964, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is a non-profit membership organization working to: identify and save historically-significant places; revitalize historic neighborhoods, towns, and urban areas; preserve historic farms and historic-designed landscapes; and educate people about the Pittsburgh region’s rich architectural heritage. www.phlf.org
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National Trust Scholarships
April 2, 2009
PHLF News
National Trust Diversity Scholarships For the National Preservation Conference to be held in Nashville, TN October 13-17.The National Trust for Historic Preservation is offering scholarships to individuals from diverse racial, ethic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Deadline June 1st. http://www.preservationnation.org/
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Apply Now for Landmarks Scholarship
April 2, 2009
by Louise Sturgess, Executive Director
PHLF NewsCollege-bound high school students who live in Allegheny County, have a 3.25 grade point average or above, and care deeply about the Pittsburgh region may apply to Landmarks’ Scholarship Program.
The deadline is April 24. Click here to download an application.
https://phlf.org/education-department/scholarships/the-landmarks-scholarship/
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Building Pride and Character through City Tours
by Louise Sturgess, Executive Director
April 2, 2009
PHLF NewsBy April 30, eleven Pittsburgh Public Schools will have participated in Landmarks’ Building Pride/Building Character city tour, described by a teacher as “one of the best [field trips] ever.” The innovative educational program is sponsored through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and is funded through contributions Landmarks received in the fall of 2008 from six corporations: PNC Bank; Allegheny Technologies, Inc.; Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Company; ESB Bank; Bridges & Company, Inc.; and Hefren-Tillotson, Inc.
Third-grade students explore Pittsburgh on board Molly’s Trolleys, with Landmarks’ staff, docents, and college interns serving as tour guides. The day-long tour includes five stops: the City-County Building, Allegheny County Courthouse, Fort Pitt Museum, Fort Pitt Block House, and Duquesne Incline.
Students and teachers are full of praise for the program. One student wrote: “My favorite time was everything we did, and everything we saw.” A teacher wrote that “PHLF always provides the most valuable, well-organized, standards-related programs/trips to our students. We love working with them and plan to continue our partnership in the future. Thank you!”
PHLF will be renewing its application with the State for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program and encourages corporations to continue giving. If you are interested in donating to the EITC program, contact Louise Sturgess at PHLF: louise@phlf.org.
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Three-Year Grant Awarded to Support Landmarks’ Education Program
by Louise Sturgess, Executive Director
March 1, 2009
PHLF NewsThe Alfred M. Oppenheimer (AMO) Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation is committing $15,000 per year for three years to support general education programs at Landmarks.
“The AMO was established in 1963 to support interfaith and interracial understanding,” said Chuck Half, a trustee of AMO and of Landmarks. “The intent of this grant is to support Landmarks’ educational programs that provide in-depth explorations of historic sites, architecture, neighborhoods, and culture along with opportunities for interaction among participants.”
“This is a tremendous and most welcome source of support,” said Louise Sturgess, Landmarks’ executive director. “Since its founding in 1964, our organization has been committed to offering educational programs that help people realize the value of historic structures and neighborhoods and motivate them to work together to improve the life of their community.
The modest fees we charge for our educational programs do not cover all our costs. The AMO grant will provide a base of operational funding for us in these challenging economic times.”
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Landmarks Appoints New Education Coordinator
January 1, 2009
PHLF NewsKaren B. Cahall, Ed.M., joined Landmarks’ staff on January 1, after serving as a docent for seven years.
She assumed Mary Ann Eubanks’ responsibilities as education coordinator, since Mary Ann retired on December 31, 2008.
For details about school tours or teacher in-services, contact Karen: karen@phlf.org; 412-471-5808, ext. 537.
