Seneca Valley School District's Hope Squad and the family of rising fifth-grade student Roman Senft were recognized as the 2026 Cranberry CUP Inspirational Families during the tournament's Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Graham Park in Cranberry Township.

Roman, an incoming fifth grader at Seneca Valley, was diagnosed with brain cancer in April and is receiving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  

The Seneca Valley Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that empowers students to recognize warning signs, promote mental wellness and connect classmates with trusted adults and available resources. The program plays a vital role in fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion and support across Seneca Valley schools.

As part of the recognition, Cranberry CUP organizers presented donations to both the Senft family and Seneca Valley School District. The donation to the Senft family will help ease the financial burden of travel and medical expenses, while the district's $11,000 donation will support Hope Squad education and training for students in grades 7-12 throughout the 2026-27 school year.

Representing the Hope Squad at the ceremony were students George Shattahi, Charlie Leach, Ruby Baker and Teagan Rathfon, along with Seneca Valley Senior High School Assistant Principal Megan Lizewski.

“We want to express our appreciation for being included as a beneficiary of this year’s donation,” Ms. Lizewski said during the ceremony. “The Hope Squad empowers students to look out for one another. It impacts school culture, giving us a school that is caring, connected and hopeful.”

The Cranberry CUP's Inspirational Family recognition honors individuals and organizations whose perseverance, service and positive impact inspire the community.