Challenging Minds, Bodies and Perspectives: How PACS Students Spent Their Summer Vacations

Rising senior Shayne Roth took part in Pittsburgh Youth Leadership this summer, joining over a dozen students who first biked 1200 miles to Lander, Wyoming before connecting with instructors from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and embarking on a 16-day trip into the Wind River Mountains. ​ The group of 14–17-year-olds focused on backpacking, fishing and leadership skills over the course of their trip. Roth, who cooks at a restaurant in Pittsburgh, looked most forward to cooking fish he caught himself. 

But more than that, he hoped to inspire students younger than himself. “I wanted to help the younger kids to be better leaders, because that’s what I got out of this two years ago,” Roth said. “I want to be a big brother and role model for them.”

“Our goal at PACS isn’t simply to help our students graduate - it’s to provide a path for them after graduation, too. Summer break can provide students the opportunity to dive into their interests and passions, and contemplate how to fold them into their future,” said Joe Oliphant, principal of PACS. 

While Roth navigated the rivers and mountains of Wyoming, senior Dawn Martin spent the summer at the Readiness Institute at Penn State. The goal of this program is to help students better understand themselves, their communities, and the myriad opportunities that await them after graduation. 

For Martin, the Readiness Institute was the push she needed to consider pursuing college. “Before participating in the Institute, I had no plans to attend college. But after touring Penn State Greater Allegheny, I just saw myself there, and the opportunities the future could hold,” Martin said.

Martin was one of several Pittsburgh students who participated in the program. Experiences included touring Pittsburgh Public Theater, visiting the Moonshot Museum, and recording podcast segments at SLB Radio after learning about scriptwriting, storytelling and the power of voice. 

"Dawn's engagement in our Summer Discovery program truly exemplified our motto 'All we ask is that you show up.' She showed up with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. It was inspiring to see her fully lean into the hands-on workshops, field trips and collaborations and emerge more confident in her purpose and path forward," said Justin Aglio, Executive Director of the Readiness Institute.

Senior Darin Davis spent the summer learning about the energy industry with CNX Resources, a natural gas development and production company focused on the Appalachian Basin. The internship served as an extension of his participation in CNX’s Mentorship Academy, which prepares 11th and 12th graders from communities throughout the region to become impactful citizens, workers and family members. 

According to his mentor (and PACS graduation speaker) Jamal Woodson, Davis was one of the hardest workers around. "He has big dreams," said Woodson. "He stays very focused on reaching his goals." Davis will continue working with CNX Resources this fall.

"We are looking forward to building upon each of these student experiences throughout the school year, and working with all of our students to build full, well-rounded futures," Oliphant said.