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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Lauren Rooney |
State Rep. Tim Solobay |
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Solobay scores an A+ with Canon-McMillan High School students
He passes legislation that completes class assignment
HARRISBURG, June 8 – Students of Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg can start their summer vacations knowing their social studies project has been completed, thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, and state Sen. J. Barry Stout, who represents the 46th Senate District. The two lawmakers announced House and Senate passage of legislation (H.B. 2304) designating a bridge in North Strabane Township as the Canon-McMillan Alumni Bridge.
Solobay introduced the legislation on behalf of Canon-McMillan social studies students who took on the bridge naming as a class project. The measure unanimously passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature.
“The naming of this bridge will be a lasting memory of a class project well done,” Solobay said. “For years to come these Canon-McMillan students will be able to point to the plaque on the bridge and proudly say, ‘I did that.’ I want to thank Senator Stout for his efforts in pushing this measure through the Senate.”
“It was my honor and privilege to help guide this bill through the Senate and send it to the governor’s desk,” Stout said. “This piece of legislation shows that everyone, even those not yet old enough to vote, can participate in the democratic process.”
Social studies teacher Tom Olszewski spearheaded the project with the support of Assistant Principal Marella Kazos. Fellow teachers Rick Bell, Shannon Crombie and Natalie Petro got their students involved sending 600 letters to lawmakers asking them to pass Solobay’s legislation.
“The project served as a great way to teach students about the process of communicating with their lawmaker and showed them how a bill becomes law,” Olszewski said.
The span carries state Route 1025 (Boone Avenue) over Interstate 79. It is the most recognizable landmark near the high school and students wanted to name it in honor of past and future Canon-McMillan High School graduates.
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