PVPA - Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School

"Effective effort equals success."
Every student who passed through Gary's classroom over the past 30 years carries that message with them out into the world.
The message hung in Gary's classroom next to others reminding students that "It's intelligent to ask for help" and "It's okay to make mistakes. That's how we learn."
This combination of accountability and encouragement was the heart and soul of Gary's approach to teaching, and it is just one of the reasons he was a favorite with students (in spite of the Scary Gary nickname!)

On behalf of all of the lives he has touched here at PVPA, we extend our deepest and most profound thanks to Gary for spending the last 30 years here at PVPA, and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement!



https://gazettenet.com/2026/06/19/scary-garys-last-bell-one-of-pvpas-founding-teachers-retires-after-three-decades/
for more info about PVPA: pvpa.org/admissions

'Scary Gary's' last bell: One of PVPA's founding teachers retires after three decades - Daily Hampshire Gazette SOUTH HADLEY — At Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School commencement earlier this month, history teacher Gary Huggett joined the Class of 2026 on the Academy of Music stage in a purple graduation cap to turn his own tassel. “In case you hadn’t figured it out, I figured I’d graduate w...

Congratulations to PVPA's newest inductees to the National Honor Society! Your accomplishment recognizes your commitment to the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character 💫
With thanks to our fabulous Librarian and NHS mentor Austin Clark for continuing the traditions of NHS induction, including the pre-induction walk to the watertower 💜
We also want to shout out this year's NHS members for your hard work in supporting the PVPA community, and Congratulations to our Nat'l Honor Society graduates!



to learn more about PVPA: pvpa.org/admissions

PVPA Class of 2026 💜
Senior Spotlight: Zion Lamb-Wilkins
Congratulations Zion!

PVPA Class of 2026 💜
Senior Spotlight: Sophie Malzone
Congratulations Sophie!

PVPA Class of 2026 💜
Senior Spotlight: Charlie Mitkowski
Congratulations Charlie!

Shout out to PVPA's Class of 2026 on a fabulous Grad Show last night! What a gift to see you all on the PVPA stage, and behind the scenes, (we see you Techies!💜)one last time before you walk across the Academy of Music stage tonight for Graduation!

We can't wait to hear about all of your next adventures!

Our thanks to South Hadley Community Television - SHCTV for this wonderful video of PVPA Dance Department's show "Myths in Motion!"
Directed by Felice Santorelli, with choreography by both students and faculty 💜
Congratulations on a fabulous show!

Catalyst: Myths in Motion, Saturday, April 11, 2026 Bringing Myths into Motion by PVPA's Professional Dance Company, Catalyst

Thank you to everyone who came out for PVPA's Music Dept’s recent spring Music Showcase “Light at the Edge of the World!”

Photos from Saturday evening’s performances featuring PVPA’s audition ensembles including Sharp Attitude (A Ca****la), Gig Band, and Pop R&B.

Shout out to our fabulous music faculty, David Cavallin, Rahul Roy, and Jeremy Milligan for supporting these young musicians! We appreciate you! 💜

Photo credit📸: Julian Parker-Burns

For more info about PVPA: pvpa.org/admissions

Thank you to everyone who came out for PVPA's Music Dept’s recent spring Music Showcase “Light at the Edge of the World!”

Photos from Friday night’s performances featuring PVPA’s Orchestra, Middle School String Ensemble, Concert Band and Chorus, as well as the High School ensemble Adagio and the Middle School Rock and Soul R***e ensemble.
Shout out to our fabulous music faculty, David Cavallin, Rahul Roy, and Jeremy Milligan for supporting these young musicians! We appreciate you! 💜

Photo credit📸: Julian Parker-Burns

For more info about PVPA: pvpa.org/admissions