Altoona Area High School

We are almost to 2026 Commencement!

Friday, June 5th
Mansion Park
Gates open at 4:30pm
Ceremony begins at 6:00pm

Congratulations, graduates!

Congratulations to our AAHS Drama students and staff on their outstanding accomplishments!

I’m thrilled to share that our production of The Secret Garden was recognized as this year’s best production at the Isaac Awards Ceremony!!! In total, AAHS was honored with 10 awards and six additional scholarships totaling $11,500 (see full list below), along with the annual $500 donated by Ann and Bill Benzel to each participating school!

✨MVP Award- Attison Batten

✨$500 Zack Hinish Foundation Scholarship- Gabrielle Beldin, Camille Krug

✨$1000 Steven C. Helsel Legacy Scholarship- Owen Carmel

✨$2500 PSU Altoona Scholarship- Elijah Lucio, Natalie Etters, Rowan McCusker

✨Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role- Gabrielle Beldin as Lily

✨Runner Up Best Supporting Actor in a Male Role- Greg Wenzel as Dickon

✨Best Stage Crew

✨Runner Up Best Ensemble

✨Runner Up Achievement in Choreography- Lillian Goodman, Aubrey Huber, Emma Lang

✨Runner Up Achievement in Design- Owen Carmel for Costume Design

✨Best Lead Actor in a Male Role- Owen Carmel as Archibald

✨Runner Up Featured Dance or Dancer- Prologue

✨Best Musical Number- How Could I Ever Know

✨BEST PRODUCTION!!!

The Pennsylvania State Police, in partnership with the Altoona Area School District Police Department, presented the dangers and consequences of underage drinking in an assembly at Altoona Area High School this morning. Juniors and seniors were present for the assembly. Parents, please talk with your children about what they learned today!

Congratulations to the AAHS YEA! 2026 graduating class!

Friendly reminder for parents and students regarding all beverages and beverage containers, including those used for athletics:

Guidelines are as follows:

1. Reusable cups/thermoses must be completely transparent. (Images provided are acceptable under the school regulations. Any brand is acceptable.)

2. UNOPENED beverages may be brought to school. The seal may not be broken at arrival to school. These beverages include drinks such as Gatorade, Propel, water bottles, soda, energy drinks, etc.

3. Beverages from coffee shops or restaurants are not permitted. These beverages must be consumed before school and will not be permitted into the building at arrival.

4. The school store and coffee cart will still be available to students as they have been in the past.

5. These guidelines also apply to athletes and students in other school activities who are bringing beverages for practices, games, and performances.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Students from the Student Advisory Squad welcome our students at the Fieldhouse entrance this morning, the first of a series of Friday morning greetings.

Come out and see The Secret Garden at AAHS for the final performance on Saturday, April 11th!

Good morning!

IU8 is pleased to offer “A Day in a Career”, an opportunity for students to explore potential career paths through a hands-on, real-world experience.

Up to 50 students will have the chance to spend a morning “on the job” with one of 10 local businesses (maximum of 5 students per site, first come, first served).

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 (National Take Your Child to Work Day)
Time: 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who are at least 16 years old by April 23
Registration Deadline: April 20, 2026
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aRpPhSc8PgXlFf6FyyC2QL8GAk78aR6-vgulWBtiw7g/edit?gid=0 =0
IU8 will provide a chaperone at each location

Students will gain firsthand insight into a variety of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, aviation, marketing, and more. Students should see their counselors for more information.

Dress Code:
Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required (no shorts, Crocs, or sandals). Students should dress appropriately, as this experience may lead to future opportunities.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with students who may benefit from exploring career options in an authentic setting.

Thank you!

Day in a Career