Bethel Park to take part in South Hills Futures Fair

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

April 10, 2025

The 12th Annual South Hills Futures Fair is scheduled to take place on April 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Castle Shannon Fire Hall.

This important initiative, organized by State Representative Dan Miller, serves as a platform for families and students with Individualized Education Programs as they navigate the transition to post-secondary life.

The event is designed to provide valuable information and resources in various areas, including education, employment, housing, and recreational opportunities for students with special needs.

By gathering multiple diverse resources under one roof, the fair aims to empower attendees and help them plan effectively for their futures.

As part of the event, Band Together Pittsburgh will treat attendees with a live performance from 5 to 6 p.m., setting an engaging tone for the fair.

Following the musical entertainment, the resource fair will run from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring numerous exhibitors and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.

The following school districts are scheduled to take part in the event:

ACLD Tillotson
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Baldwin
Bethel Park
Carlynton
Keystone Oaks
Mount Lebadon
South Fayette
Upper Saint Clair
West Jefferson Hills

The South Hills Futures Fair continues to be a beacon of support and a resource of information, fostering a sense of community among families.

By facilitating connections between students, parents, educators, and local organizations, the event will assist in creating pathways to a fulfilling post-secondary experience.

These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, internships, and even job prospects for students as they transition into adulthood.

Together, attendees will embark on a journey toward independence, confidence, and success, equipped with the knowledge and connections necessary to thrive.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer