The Penn Hills School District is proud to announce that students from both the 9th Grade PHorge Robotics Academy and the Senior High Robotics Program have officially earned their first industry certification in Mechanical Foundations, an achievement endorsed by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, one of the nation’s leading organizations advancing robotics education and workforce readiness.

This milestone marks a defining moment in the district’s ongoing transformation to provide high-school students with industry-recognized credentials, hands-on technical experience, and clear pathways to college, the trades, or immediate entry into the workforce.

Forging the Future: A New Era for Penn Hills Students

In an era where automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing are reshaping the economy, Penn Hills is ensuring its students are prepared not only to adapt but to lead. The Mechanical Foundations Certification, designed by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy and endorsed by the ARM Institute, validates a student’s understanding of essential mechanical principles used in robotics, mechatronics, and industrial technology.

Students earning the certification demonstrated proficiency in key areas such as mechanical safety, hand and power tool operation, torque, precision measurement, and system assembly. These skills are foundational in nearly every career field related to engineering, machining, robotics, and maintenance.

“This certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a passport to opportunity,” said Dr. Matt Dado, Director of Technology and Innovation. “Students are learning and applying the same concepts used by professionals in the field. When a student earns an ARM-endorsed credential in high school, it tells colleges and employers that they’re career-ready on day one.

A Celebration of Hard Work and Teamwork

To recognize this outstanding accomplishment, the district hosted a Chick-fil-A lunch for the newly certified students and their teachers. The celebration brought together students, staff, and district leaders to reflect on how far the program has come and how much opportunity lies ahead.

“Our students are not just learning robotics, they’re building a foundation for the future,” added Dr. Dado. “We wanted to celebrate their perseverance and the culture of excellence they’re helping build here in Penn Hills.”

Congratulations to Our Certified Students

Twenty-five Penn Hills students earned the Mechanical Foundations Certification this fall, representing both the 9th Grade PHorge Robotics Academy and the Senior High Robotics Program.

Certified 9^th Grade Students:

Whitney Aglietti

Rio Boyd

Caden Carricato

Martin Eftimovski

Asaunte Graham

Emoni Jones

Alaiya Liddell

Joanna Lohr

Ryan McClelland

Mason Conner

Patricia Debaker

Leeya Durrant

Aaliyah Luemba

Lilly Ramnanan

Rachel Wilson

Amadi Younger

Certified Senior High Students:

ALTER, AVA

HARRIS, JAIDEN

HICKMAN-HILL, DAMEON

HOWARD, JEREMIAH

LIGHTCAP, JAKOB

PATTERSON, MYA

TERRY, TREVAUGHN

Teacher Leadership That Inspires Excellence

This success reflects not only the students’ hard work but also the dedication of their teachers, Mr. Barry Plowman and Mr. Andy Folmer, who have built vibrant, hands-on robotics classrooms rooted in creativity, exploration, and applied problem-solving.

Through their leadership, students are learning far beyond the walls of traditional education, designing, wiring, and assembling real mechanical systems while earning credentials that carry weight in both college and industry.

“Our teachers are bridging the gap between school and the real world,” said Superintendent Dr. John Mozzocio. “They’re preparing students for the next step, whether that’s college, a trade, or a career in advanced technology. Their creativity and dedication are the engine behind Penn Hills’ growing reputation as a district that truly prepares students for life.”

From the Classroom to Careers: The PHorge Vision

The Mechanical Foundations Certification represents just one piece of a much larger vision for the PHorge Robotics Academy and the district’s broader STEM and Innovation pathways. Penn Hills is intentionally forging connections between K-12 learning, postsecondary education, and regional industry to give students the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the modern economy.

Upcoming certifications will include Software Foundations, Electrical Foundations, Robotics Technician Fundamentals, and Fabrication Foundations, all part of a stackable credential system that allows students to progress toward pre-apprenticeship before graduation.

“Our approach is simple,” Dr. Dado explained. “We’re building pathways, not just programs. Whether a student’s future is in engineering, the trades, or entrepreneurship, we want them to graduate from Penn Hills with the skills, certifications, and confidence to succeed.”

The Bigger Picture: Redefining Success in Education

The PHorge Robotics initiative is part of a larger transformation within Penn Hills to make education student-centered, innovative, and connected to real life. From the Penn Hills Innovation Institute to the Business Academy and new STEM pathways, the district is redefining what it means to prepare students for success.

“This certification represents what Penn Hills is all about giving students purpose, opportunity, and the chance to do something extraordinary,” said Dr. Mozzocio. “Our goal is to ensure every student leaves our schools ready to thrive in college, in a trade, or in the workforce.”

As the district continues to expand its robotics offerings, one thing is clear: Penn Hills is no longer just keeping pace with the future of education; it’s forging it.