WHAT’ S NEWS IN NORTH ALLEGHENY
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTER PRESCHOOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
The Family Development Center( FDC), located in the basement of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, celebrated its 50th anniversary of providing highquality, state-accredited education for children ages 3 through Pre-K.
Though modest and often overlooked, the preschool has quietly shaped generations of young learners with its nurturing, whole-child approach.
FDC has focused on building children’ s academic, social and emotional foundations through dedicated, individualized care.
“ We may be the preschool you’ ve never heard of, but we’ ve been here making a difference, one child at a time,” said longtime director Krista Dignazio. Teachers emphasize confidence, curiosity and hands-on learning, helping prepare students for kindergarten and beyond.
The preschool’ s warm, family-centered culture has created strong community ties, with some families returning for multiple generations. FDC remains independent from church operations and welcomes children of all backgrounds.
Looking ahead, the preschool plans to expand programming— including a Spanish immersion enrichment option— as it continues its mission of fostering joyful, lifelong learners.
After 50 years, FDC remains a quiet cornerstone of the community, built on love, learning and lasting impact. For more information, visit fdcpreschool. com.
‘ SHARING FEAST’ LUNCHEON AT VINCENTIAN TERRACE PLACE
The school-age summer campers at Vincentian Child Discovery Center McCandless celebrated the end of a season of intergenerational connection on Aug. 13 with a special Sharing Feast luncheon at Vincentian Terrace Place in Allison Park.
Throughout the summer, the children visited regularly with the elder residents, forming friendships that became the heart of the program. One particularly touching bond blossomed between 7-year-old Bryson and 89-year-old Jean, who gained attention on Vincentian’ s social media after exchanging surprise gifts— flowers from Bryson and a coloring set from Jean. Bryson, who rarely gets to see his grandparents, affectionately began calling Jean his“ adopted grandma.”
The luncheon brought together the children, residents and staff who organized the initiative, highlighting Vincentian’ s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful intergenerational experiences.
NORTH ALLEGHENY SENIOR MALLORY KIM CROWNED 2025 HOMECOMING QUEEN
North Allegheny High School senior Mallory Kim was recently crowned Homecoming Queen, and was met with praise not only from her school community but also from Pittsburgh’ s Korean American community, with her many achievements sparking tremendous pride.
A standout student and athlete, Mallory has maintained a 4.0 + GPA and serves as captain of both the varsity and competitive cheer teams under the mentorship of coach Kaylee Kenz. She is also an active member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Best Buddies Club, and volunteers as a coach for NACC.
Beyond her school involvement, Mallory has demonstrated compassion and global awareness, having volunteered virtually during the pandemic with ENGin to tutor Ukrainian students— an experience that left a lasting impact.
Her family describes her as driven, kind, and a young woman who embodies leadership both on and off the field. Congratulations Mallory!
RED CROSS CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania issued an urgent call for volunteers as disaster response demands continue to grow.
With volunteers making up 90 % of its workforce, the organization is seeking help to respond to both local emergencies, like home fires, and largescale disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.
Key opportunities include serving on Disaster Action Teams to support families after local emergencies, working in local shelters, or traveling nationwide to assist after major disasters.
For more details, visit redcross. org / volunteer or send email to gparecruitment @ redcross. org. n
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