Class of 2026

Keeping Kids Safe: A Child Protection & Online Safety Fair

The Human Services Team ​focused on strengthening child safety through education, awareness, and community engagement. Inspired by local stories of online child abuse and informed by data from the McKean County Child Advocacy Center (CAC), the project brought together more than 25 community partners, including child advocacy organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and wellness groups. The event provided families with practical tools, resources, and information to help protect children both online and in everyday life. With 180+ parents and children in attendance, the fair successfully increased awareness of child protection issues, empowered families to recognize and respond to risks, and strengthened connections between community members and local support services.
Team members include: 
 - Jeannine Kloss with Kane Area School District
 - Bradley Leet with Journey Health Systems
​ - Danielle O'Neil with Allegheny Interior Solutions
 - Christine Weimer with Futures Rehabilitation Center

Make, Build, Create: Careers in Skilled Trades Panel

The Workforce, Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Team introduced 220+ McKean County ninth-grade students to career opportunities in the skilled trades and entrepreneurship. Partnering with Bradford High School, the team brought together five local professionals representing careers in safety, welding, culinary arts, emergency services, and electrical work. Through a panel discussion, student Q&A, and take-home resources, students gained firsthand insight into career pathways, training requirements, and the rewards of skilled trades, helping them make informed decisions as they begin planning their academic and career futures.
​Team members include:
 - Cory Bell with Dresser Utility Solutions
 - Thomas Colwell with Zippo Manufacturing Company
 - Lexi Novosel with Allegheny Bradford Corporation
 - Shannon Ridenour with University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Ask? McKean
A Local Government
​Journalism Project

The Government team created Ask? McKean to strengthen communication between elected officials and the communities they serve. Inspired by discussions during Leadership McKean's Government sessions, the project addressed a common concern that constituents often lack direct access to information from their elected leaders. Through a dedicated Facebook platform, community members were invited to submit questions, which were answered publicly by local, county, state, and federal officials. Participating leaders included President Judge John Pavlock, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, U.S. Senator David McCormick, Commissioner Carol Duffy, Public Defender Phil Clabaugh, and Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward. Since launching in March 2026, the page has generated approximately 26,700 views, increasing public access to information and fostering greater civic engagement. The model can be easily adapted for other communities, organizations, or issue-focused discussions.
Team members include:
 - Erica Brabham with McKean County Courts
 - TyDel Green with Allegheny Bradford Corporation
 - Nicholas Haner with Allegheny Bradford Corporation
 - Josh Hogan with Zippo Manufacturing Company
 - James McDonald with Dresser Utility Solutions

Tuna Valley Trail Association

Partnering with the Tuna Valley Trail Association, the Tourism & Recreation team developed marketing materials for the annual Marilla Winter Trek and a Trail Clean-Up Week campaign, including social media content, trail kiosk flyers, and QR-code stickers linking users to trail information. The Winter Trek campaign reached more than 2,000 people, while Clean-Up Week promotions reached more than 4,000. The project also provided sustainable marketing recommendations, including greater use of trail kiosks and outdoor recreation platforms such as AllTrails and Strava, helping build long-term visibility for the region's trail network.
Team members include: 
- Jason Hogue with American Refining Group
-Lyndsey McAndrew with Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 
- Abbey Newhouse with Zippo Manufacturing Company
- Adrienne Osborn with W.R. Case and Sons 
- Sabina Vecellio-Ford with American Refining Group

Open Locker

The Education team supported student's career readiness by ensuring students at Seneca Highlands Career and Technical School have access to the personal care essentials needed to feel confident, prepared, and professional. Serving students from Cameron, McKean, and Potter counties, the initiative provides free, discreet access to items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Through community partnerships and donations, more than 800 hygiene products were collected to stock the Open Locker. By equipping students with everyday essentials, the project helps remove barriers to classroom participation, hands-on training, internships, and workforce preparation while fostering a supportive learning environment where students can focus on achieving their educational and career goals.
Team members include:
 - Emily Gerew with The Guidance Center
 - Dan Lyons with Northwest Bank
 - Mark Miller with University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
 - Scott Pattison with Zippo Manufacturing Company
 - Jessica Seipp with Hamlin Bank

McKean County Youth
Art Exhibit