Articles By Marilyn Wempa and Nancy Dalverny
Photo by Gateway Associated Photographers.
MAC
Award
Winner Ellis
Durham
By Marilyn K. Wempa
I
T
wo monetary awards
are offered annually
by Biondi Motors and
Monroeville Arts Council to
Gateway High School seniors
who plan to further their
education by studying artsrelated subjects in college. A
student’s academic record,
school activities, financial need
and community service are
36 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Monroeville
Parade photos by Marilyn Wempa.
f you were among the thousands who
enjoyed Monroeville’s Independence
Day Parade, you probably saw
Monroeville resident Ellis Durham. The
18-year-old who rode in the white Lincoln
with the “2016 Excellence Award Winner,
Ellis Durham” banner didn’t just meekly
wave and throw candy to children. Instead,
he seated himself so his head would pop
out of the sunroof of the car. Then, he stuck
an American flag in his hair — much to the
delight of the spectators who acknowledged
his ingenuity by cheering and applauding
his patriotism and sense of humor.
“These were special experiences, to say
the least. I felt like one of those people I’ve
heard about who had their 15 minutes of
fame,” says Durham.
The experiences were the result of having
received an award at Gateway High School’s
Senior Awards Night in May. Receiving
his plaque and check from MAC president
Marilyn Wempa and vice president Vera
Perry was quite memorable. “I was ecstatic
and quite surprised, as I actually forgot I
applied for it!” he recalls.
Durham was selected to receive the
award through an application review void
of any identity information. Durham’s
qualifications were outstanding. He not
very important when choosing
a candidate. A notice is given
to seniors about the availability
of various award applications
at the beginning of the school
year. Students are directed to
contact the Guidance Office
at that time for an application
and a deadline date is stated.
Sponsor of the award for 15
years, Monroeville Arts Council
raises its portion of the awards
by holding a raffle at each of
its three free summer concerts,
while the Biondi Family
Foundation donates the second
award.
For further information,
contact Marilyn Wempa
at 412.373.7794 or
visit MAC’s website at
monroevilleartscouncil.org.