50 years ago, Penn Joint merged with Trafford High to create what we know as Penn-Trafford. 

     This anniversary is something the district has celebrated throughout the school year, especially since the community has been more united than ever before. 

     According to Assistant Principal Amy Horvat, it was not always like this. As a P-T graduate herself, she explained that after the merge, there was a feeling of Penn versus Trafford.  

     Horvat added that this is a special anniversary for her because of the certain milestones made by P-T football. 

     As a child, she watched her father coach Penn-Trafford’s first football team and it was a struggle to unite both sides. However, on the 50th anniversary, P-T football won the state championship for the first time.

    “Now, after 50 years, we have finally surpassed the feeling of Penn versus Trafford, and we are one,” said Horvat.

     Teacher Jen Haberberger helped plan and coordinate the activities that celebrated the anniversary throughout the school year. 

     In the fall, former teachers, administrators, alumni and all the past homecoming queens and kings were invited back to the high school for the annual homecoming celebration. 

     At the halftime ceremony, the district recognized everyone who had started the journey of Penn-Trafford. 

     The celebration continued in the spring, as more alumni were welcomed back for events in the musical arts department. 

     Former members of the drama guild, administration and the past prom queens and kings were able to be recognized. 

     Haberberger mentioned that many alumni were amazed that this school was the same place they went to years ago. 

     “The 50th anniversary is an important milestone and it connects a lot of people from the community,” added Haberberger. 

     As for the class of 2022, history will be made on Thursday, May 26, as it will be the 50th graduating class of the district. 

     Horvat mentioned that on graduation day, she would like to try to get more alumni back to celebrate this milestone.

     To many past and present, Penn-Trafford has evolved into a strong community that many will forever remember as their Warrior Home.