Fire severely damages Elizabeth Forward auditorium; Community raises money to support students

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The community and neighboring schools are rallying to support the student groups affected by a fire that severely damaged the Elizabeth Forward High School auditorium, theater and music wing in a weekend fire.

PHOTOS: Fire burns through roof at Elizabeth Forward High School

According to Allegheny County 911, the fire broke out at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Smoke could be seen billowing from a section of the school’s roof.

Elizabeth Township Police Chief Ken Honick told Channel 11 the structural integrity of the building was possibly compromised.

High school students didn’t have class Monday, according to a letter posted on the district’s web site. The middle and elementary schools operated on a normal schedule.

The fire not only damaged the auditorium, but also almost everything inside, including band instruments and uniforms.

The school is having a staff meeting to discuss their options, Honick said.

“It’s heartbreaking. We take a lot of pride in our buildings and our school district as a whole. To see this hurts our school district and hurts our entire community. So we’re concerned. We’re blessed no one was injured,” said Superintendent Keith Konyk.

Students participating in the school’s musical have lost the chance to perform after the destruction of the auditorium. A GoFundMe has been set up to help restore the lost theater, music wing, set, microphones, lights, and costumes.

“So emotional. I have children who attend this district and have a junior in high school and firefighters that are family friends, so it’s tough,” said Amy Terza, a parent.

Local school district band directors are pooling their resources to help the high school band go on a planned trip to Disney this week, according to a Facebook post.

Mt. Lebanon Blue Devil marching band is also collecting donations for the band.

The South Allegheny band will host a fundraiser at Primanti Bros. on Feb. 20 to benefit the Elizabeth Forward band.

School alumni and married couple Lynn Blewitt and Mark Massaro own Snowy’s Chocolates in Elizabeth. They came up with the idea to sell chocolate Warriors — the school mascot — for $3 each to benefit the high school.

The police chief told Channel 11 the fire doesn’t appear to be suspicious at this point.

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