Our Home on the Hill v.4

Welcome to all that's news-y from the Westmont Hilltop Development office.

We support the Westmont Hilltop Education Foundation in its mission to enhance opportunities for students, staff, and families within the Westmont Hilltop School District.

Letter from the Director of Development

Welcome to Our Home on the Hill, 4th edition.

October brings the Hilltopper community together — it truly takes a village (or a borough!). From prepping for Pep Rallies and lighting the Community Bonfire to the Homecoming Parade, HOCO Dances, campus tours, the annual Color Run, and Reunions. This is our season for tradition!

Learn more student news from a Helping Hands initiative, highlights from our Digital Media class, Girls’ Golf champs, and the award-winning coach leading the way.

Read about one alum's contribution and new opportunities to connect with our network.

Thank you for contributing your Hilltopper tales and for your generous donations to the WH Education Foundation, which directly impact and benefit our students' experience at Our Home on the Hill. – Janie Solomon

A ribbon from the Class of 1970 Archive Collection

Reunion weekend campus tours with fellow 1990 classmate, Sandeep Bhat, visiting from Princeton, New Jersey.

Homecoming Recap

School tour with Superintendent, Tom Mitchell

1970... 1975... 1985! We see you!

The Class of 1970 celebrating 55 years! Thank you, 1970, for donating your class memorabilia!

The Class of 1975 committee planned 3 DAYS of activities for their 50th reunion.

Worth it!

Johnstown was buzzing with Westy alumni over Reunion Weekend. Milestone anniversary years arrived in style and with friendship. The Class of 1975, with an alumni tent at the Homecoming football game; 1970 with a suitcase full of memorabilia; 1985 showed how it's done when the All-Class After-Party rolled into their celebration at Westwood Bar & Grill.

The All-Class Reunion was a great time. The Class of 1990 unofficially won 'Most Represented.' Nice work!

Are you interested in joining the first-ever All-Class Chorus Concert in November 2026?
Would you like to grow our Westy Network as a Class Ambassador?

Complete this short survey to get involved.

OUR STUDENTS: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Public Service

The Westmont Hilltop Public Service class partnered with Helping Hands of Cambria County to help paint and build a porch for a local Johnstown family. Students gained hands-on experience while discovering the value of service in their community.

Thanks to our Jr.-Sr. High School teacher, Mr. Logan Seybold, for leading the mission.

Media and Creative Development

Students in the Westmont Hilltop Digital Media Program, BaseCamp, recently completed a brand video project for local business and school district sponsor, McIlwain School Bus Lines. Play the link below to see how our students applied skills in Brand Identity, AI, voiceover, video setup, production, and graphic design.

This hands-on project provides real-world experience and prepares students in grades 9-12 for careers in media and creative industries. Watch the final video below to see their professional-quality work in action!

Thank you to Mr. Garrett Sidor, Technology, Engineering, and Art Instructor, for his guidance.

PIAA DISTRICT 6 TEAM TITLE

Girls' Golf

Westmont Hilltop girls' golf team won their fourth District 6 title in the past six seasons, at the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) Class 2A championships at Windber Country Club. The girls rallied and came on top, 15 strokes ahead of second-place, River Valley, delivering a total score of 275.

District 6 Champs: Kelly Mullen (Junior), Halle Clement (Freshman), Gabrielle Filia (Freshman), Sophomores Josie Hill and Camille Wesner

State Competitors, scoring a combined 261, earning fifth place at Penn State's White Course: Gabrielle Filia (Freshman), Sophomores Josie Hill and Camille Wesner

Congrats, Coach!!

Leading the way is Coach Robert Patula, recently honored with the PIAA and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) 2025-25 Coach of the Year award for Westmont Hilltop boys' golf.

In an interview with The Tribune-Democrat, Coach Patula commented on the girls' team winning the District 6 title: "I think the thing that impressed me the most about this team is that golf is an individual game," Patula said. "The entire season has been about 'we.' It has been about 'we want' to win a district championship. We want to advance. We want to get better. As a coach, that’s really cool to see."

Funding Spotlight

Cultural Experiences

The Cultural Experience Fund was anonymously established by a member of the Class of 1978, in honor of classmate and friend Richard Hodos, "who has never forgotten where he came from and whose kindness and generosity are an example to all."

The mission behind the fund?

"Our kids need experiences – moments that spark curiosity, build confidence, and create lifelong memories. Exposure to these experiences may also open their minds and hearts to unexplored opportunities. It’s important to dream. It’s also important to smile. Why not do all of this, and more? What could be a better way than through our school?"

- Anonymous, Class of '78

Support ongoing cultural experiences for our younger students. Click 'Cultural Support' to begin and select 'Cultural Experiences, K-6' from the form's donation pulldown.

Cultural Support

With your support, Westmont Hilltop continues to provide transformative experiences that help every student dream bigger and smile brighter.

RED & GRAY CAMPAIGN

See how we put your donations to work

More Than Fundraising: A Vision for Impact

WH Education Foundation is committed to more than raising funds — we are building awareness and engagement across the community and among alumni. By highlighting the positive impact of community involvement on student life, we aim to showcase the shared journey of Westmont Hilltop growth. At the same time, we are shifting toward more flexible, unrestricted giving — a more efficient approach that delivers immediate support where needed most in our schools.

Learn more about how to get involved on our website

Contact Janie Solomon: 814-255-8711, [email protected]

Other ways to contribute...

LEGACY BRICKS

Honoring Family, Friends & Classmates

Leave a lasting mark!

Order

MAKE A DONATION

One-time Donation
Monthly Giving
Corporate Matching
Planned Gifting

Give today!

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, the Westmont Hilltop Education Foundation empowers donors to support the Westmont Hilltop School District and its students while receiving tax deductions for their generosity. Our core purpose is to provide unrestricted, immediate financial support for vital programs and initiatives that directly impact students as needed.