State officials, Highlands administrators recognize achievements of Sheldon Park students in Harrison

Rising Highlands fourth grader Genisus Prager said the best hack she has learned for getting good grades is to ask questions.

“You have to listen and help others, but you also have to know when to ask for help yourself,” said Genisus, 9.

Her method appears to have worked. Genisus was among 25 students honored Wednesday by the Sheldon Park Resident Council during a ceremony attended by former Allegheny County Commissioner Larry Dunn and district Superintendent Monique Mawhinney, among others.

“I’m grateful and happy that we’re having this (celebration),” said Genisus, from inside the community center at the county Housing Authority apartment complex.

“I worked really hard, especially in reading. I’m not really a reading girl, I’m more of a math girl.”

Sydney Hayden, resident council president and treasurer of the county housing authority, organized the first inaugural student achievement ceremony for students who performed well in school.

“I want the kids to know we care about them,” Hayden said. “Grades are important, and they need to keep them up to succeed in life.”

Hayden recruited other children in the neighborhood to serve as greeters and ushers, and some led the Pledge of Allegiance. She used the opportunity to encourage more students to study hard and work toward goals.

“I want them to see that, maybe next year, they can work hard and be recognized,” she said. “It’s understandable with the pandemic that a lot of kids are struggling. We want to recognize their efforts and showcase what our community is about.”

Guest speakers at the celebration included Frank Aggazio, executive director of the county housing authority, and Mark Foerster, chair of the housing authority board of directors.

Mawhinney spoke to the audience about hard work and perseverance.

“They are two of the most important qualities that make a person successful,” she said.

“I am proud of their commitment to school and education, and I want them to keep working hard so that they can graduate and pursue a successful career.”

Rising seventh grader Kailah Branch said the event was exciting.

“It makes me feel like the hard work is worth it,” said Kailah, 12.

Kailah thanked her family for supporting her desire to learn new things and explore afterschool activities.

“I got all A’s and one B this year in social studies,” she said. “I’m gonna get all A’s next year.”