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Steel Valley High School prom held under Homestead Grays Bridge

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop
Slide 1
Courtesy of Emily Wittmer
The Steel Valley High School prom was held under the Homestead Grays Bridge at the Waterfront in Homestead on June 23.
Slide 2
Courtesy of Emily Wittmer
The Steel Valley High School prom was held under the Homestead Grays Bridge at the Waterfront in Homestead on June 23.
Slide 3
Courtesy of Emily Wittmer
The Steel Valley High School prom was held under the Homestead Grays Bridge at the Waterfront in Homestead on June 23.
Slide 4
Courtesy of Emily Wittmer
The Steel Valley High School prom was held under the Homestead Grays Bridge at the Waterfront in Homestead on June 23.
Slide 5
Courtesy of Emily Wittmer
The Steel Valley High School prom was held under the Homestead Grays Bridge at the Waterfront in Homestead on June 23.

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With high school events being canceled left and right, Chuck Spicuzza knew he had to try and save Steel Valley High School’s prom.

He found a solution under a bridge.

Spicuzza called Emily Wittmer, marketing director at the Waterfront shopping center in Homestead, telling her they were having trouble finding a hall to accommodate social distancing, and needed a larger, preferably outdoor, space.

The Waterfront was perfect, he said, because the school district encompasses Homestead, West Homestead and Munhall. They held the event Tuesday under the Homestead Grays Bridge to accommodate the students and allow them room to dance.

“Too many events for the seniors of the class of 2020 have been canceled,” said Spicuzza, a father of four. “I didn’t want this night canceled.”

Spicuzza, a disc jockey, teamed with Simplicity Events to host the evening.

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Parents signed waivers allowing their children to attend, Wittmer said. They kept the number of people under 250.

Soft drinks and water were available, but no food. Some restaurants offered specials. Flowers were donated. A photo booth was available, thanks to the parents. There was a promenade where a photographer snapped pictures.

The rain stopped just in time for the event’s 6 p.m. start.

Participants posted about the party on Facebook.

“We were super excited to help them,” Wittmer said. “They are part of our community, and we have a strong bond with the high school. We were happy they could be together and experience this night and make some memories.”

The date was chosen because it was the make-up for the original night that was postponed.

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Spicuzza of Munhall wanted his son, Chance, a senior and his friends to be able to enjoy prom night.

“I can’t say enough about all the people who helped make this happen,” he said.

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