later organized the donations for the food pantry ’ s drive-through distribution on Dec . 11 .
Despite cold weather , the Leader Academy and Interact Club managed the event , unloading food trucks , setting up distribution tables , and loading groceries into 750 vehicles . Faculty member Jennifer Czyzewski noted the growing demand for food assistance .
The initiative is supported by Monroeville Chick-fil-A owner Brian Wenger , who sponsors Leader Academies at Gateway and Franklin Regional . He praises the program ’ s student-led approach , guided by advisers Marci Klinger , Dawn Nicolazzo and Regan Reeder .
GRAMMY-WINNING JAZZ MUSICIAN TEACHING NEXT GENERATION AT PITTSBURGH-AREA HIGH SCHOOL
How many middle and high school musicians can say they ’ re learning each day from a multi-Grammy-winning jazz musician ? It ’ s an everyday occurrence at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School , where nationally known saxophonist Eric DeFade invests in the next generation of young musicians .
DeFade has played on two Grammyaward-winning projects and won an Emmy for his work on the music special “ Live From Studio A .” In the fall of 2012 , he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame .
For the past 10 years , DeFade has been a featured performer for the “ My Music ” series on PBS . This program is internationally broadcast and has featured such artists as Patti LaBelle , Isaac Hayes , The Temptations , Robert Goulet , Wild Cherry , The Platters , and The Commodores among others .
DeFade has played with music greats Rosemary Clooney , Josh Groban , the New York Voices , Gary Burton , John Scofield , Dave Liebman , Ahmad Jamal , and Benny Golson , and has toured internationally with The Artie Shaw Band and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra .
He also appeared on “ The Oprah Winfrey Show ” accompanying legendary jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson .
One of DeFade ’ s current students , Caroline Clow , reflects on the opportunity to study with him .
“ Patient , encouraging , and generous in giving out the tips and tricks of the trade , he has never been stumped with a question from me or the other students ,” she said .
“ There is a certain comfort and a ton of bragging rights that come with the knowledge that your private instructor has won multiple Grammys . There are not many times in a student ’ s life when you can say you were taught by someone whose talent is sought out by famous musicians .”
THE WESTMORELAND MUSEUM TO HOST COMMEMORATIVE BELL
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg , Pennsylvania , will host Westmoreland
County ’ s commemorative bell as part of the “ Bells Across Pennsylvania ” initiative , celebrating the United States ' 250th Anniversary . This project , led by America250PA , places artist-designed bells in all 67 Pennsylvania counties . Local artist Mandy Sirochuck was selected to design the Westmoreland County bell , which will feature a glass mosaic depicting landmarks , notable figures , wildlife , and natural resources , symbolizing the region ' s history and community spirit .
The bell will be unveiled in the summer of 2025 at the Museum and remain on display through 2026 . The public is invited to contribute ideas for the design by submitting suggestions through the Westmoreland Bell Ideas form online .
Museum Director Silvia Filippini- Fantoni has expressed enthusiasm about the project , highlighting its role in showcasing local talent and celebrating the region . Dawn Lamuth of GO Laurel Highlands emphasized the bell ’ s potential to unite communities and attract visitors .
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art — Western Pennsylvania ’ s only museum dedicated to American art — is proud to collaborate with America250PA , Discover Westmoreland , Westmoreland Heritage and GO Laurel Highlands in this initiative . n
TELL US ABOUT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE !
We are looking to profile students who are excelling in a particular high school sport . Please email editors @ icmags . com . To be considered , the email subject line must say HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE FOR ( NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL ) and you must submit a hi-res ( 300 dpi , at least 1MB ) photo of your child in uniform attached to the email . Please include your child ’ s name , grade , and a brief description of accomplishments along with your email address and phone number .
MONROEVILLE ❘ SPRING 2025 5