Hope
Swin Cash is a McKeesport native known for a successful
career that includes success as an Olympic gold medalist,
WNBA player, director of franchise development for the New
York Liberty, and commentator and analyst with CBS Sports
Network.
Today, Swin is promoting a new podcast called, “She’s Got
Time,” which shares positive messages for women of all ages
and lifestyles who face unique challenges, but share common
struggles.
“As much as people think we have all these differences,
there are so many commonalities we have, especially as girls
and young women,” she said, noting she wanted to create
a platform to share what she’s learned from folks around
the world. “I’ve been in group chats with friends of so many
different backgrounds – having discussions about world news,
politics, and women’s voices. I will continue to advocate for
social responsibility, diversity, and inclusion.”
Swin is a working mother, who balances time among
her family (especially her husband Steve Canal and their
toddler son Saint Cash-Canal), her career, and her work in
the nonprofit sector. She is the founder of the Cash for Kids
Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to serving youth in the
communities where she has lived and worked – teaching
young people to be responsible, take ownership of their
health, follow their dreams, and embrace opportunities for
success.
“I take a lot of pride in where I’m from,” Swin said. “Whether
I’m in New York, China, or somewhere else around the world,
I always try to represent my family, my city, and my country
with respect and accountability. I would tell anyone, ‘Take
pride in who you are and where you’re from.’ McKeesport
taught me about not only dreaming big, but working hard for
your goals.”
organizations, we will find acts of kindness for which we all can be proud.
Living the Message awards are intended to showcase these individuals and give
the community an opportunity to share its good news. Awards are given quarterly.
Using 250 words or fewer, describe how the individual of your choice embodies one
of the four words.
Love
Peyton Estochin is a 6-year-old McKeesporter who
combined her love of puppies and police to raise funds for
the McKeesport Police Department K-9 Unit, which includes
four canines and their trained-handler officers.
Peyton is proof that a person is never too young to
embrace McKeesport’s message. With a bit of inspiration
from her family, community, and school, Peyton was looking
for ways to raise funds for a cause that means something
special to her.
“I like German shepherds, and I love the K-9 Unit,” Peyton
said, snuggling with her own shepherd pups, Jada and
Gemma, at home. “They’re the best dogs. They give kisses
and jump on your lap, but they can be tough, too.”
Her parents, Jessica and Sonny Estochin, reached out
to Sgt. Fran Angert when they realized their daughter was
serious about supporting McKeesport’s K-9 Unit. In August,
he served as a special guest host for Peyton’s Sweet Tea
Stand, where she raised $700 for the unit. This winter she
hopes to host a hot chocolate stand for the same cause.
“Peyton has proven countless times she has the biggest
heart – really a heart of gold,” Jessica said. “She is someone
who is always looking out for a family member or friend. She
goes up to the Alter at church pulling and tugging because
she has someone she wants to pray for.”
Peyton’s community service is a reflection of her early
career goals – having named police officer as her dream
job since preschool, and recently noting that she wants
to become a K-9 officer someday. She never hesitates to
volunteer at her school, Praise Christian Academy, or at
church, Rainbow Temple Assembly.
For more information, contact the mayor’s office at 412.675.5020, ext. 605.
Nominations can be mailed to the mayor’s assistant Jennifer Vertullo, 500 Fifth
Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132, or emailed to jen.vertullo@mckeesport-pa.gov. The
deadline for the next round of nominations is January 31, 2019.
MCKEESPORT AREA
❘
WINTER 2018
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