certified electrician.“ I can’ t believe I was chosen for this scholarship. If it wasn’ t for Sandy, the tutors, my parents and, most importantly, God for placing me where I needed to be, I would have never been shown that anything can be accomplished with hard work,” says Russell.
According to Sandy Niekum, ACM’ s Tutoring Program Manager,“ Russell truly deserved to receive the Anchorpoint Hope Scholarship. As a student in our tutoring program since 7th grade, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic, has shown tremendous academic growth, and has turned into a self-confident young man with clear post-high school goals.”
The Award Letter was presented to Russell Paras at ACM’ s Golden Anchor Gala and 50th Anniversary Celebration at LeMont.“ My family is so grateful for the scholarship that was awarded to Russell. Thanks to Anchorpoint for this scholarship and for the affordable tutoring they provide so we can send all three of our children for tutoring lessons,” says Nancy Paras, Russell’ s mother.
The Hope Scholarship was established this year in celebration of ACM’ s 50th anniversary. It is made possible by the generous support of ACM donors and awarded to a tutoring student in ACM’ s Youth Development Program for the pursuit of further studies after high school graduation.
ACM kicked off the anniversary celebrations at the gala. In addition to the Hope Scholarship, four other honorees were recognized for service and hope-bringing contributions to the Greater Pittsburgh community including Rev. Keith Brown, ACM’ s founding director, who was honored as a Friend Who Brings Hope; The Claus Family as a Family Who Brings Hope; Wilkins Associates Architects as a Business That Brings Hope; and Memorial Park Church as a Faith Community That Brings Hope.
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry( formerly North Hills Youth Ministry) was founded in 1966 by local churches as an outreach to teens and has grown into a healing and educational ministry for all ages. The organization provides help to those going through everyday crisis with affordable professional counseling, support group therapy, tutoring and education. For more information about ACM’ s services call 412.366.1300 or visit anchorpointcounselingministry. org.
AN EVENING OF SPARKLE FOR THOSE IN NEED: AUTISM CONNECTION OF PENNSYLVANIA HOSTS GALA
The spectacular Carnegie Music Hall Foyer in Oakland was the perfect setting to celebrate spectacular volunteers and supporters at Autism Connection of Pennsylvania’ s( ACOPa) 16th Annual Gala.
Jim Walter of Shaler, a blogger who writes about raising a daughter with autism, gave a poignant speech about his daughter and the support that his family has received from ACOPa.
Proceeds benefited ACOPa, a privately funded nonprofit located in Etna, whose mission is to serve as a lifeline for families and autistic adults by providing support, information and advocacy.
PAINTING WITH A TWIST HOSTS FREE SCAVENGER HUNT
Painting with a Twist will be hosting a free local neighborhood scavenger hunt on April 29. All studios in the western Pennsylvania region will be participating, making it a great way to meet your local studio owners as well as local businesses— and have fun doing it! Each studio will have its own unique set of rules and prizes to promote the fun in their respective neighborhoods. An after-party will follow to keep the night alive! Even if you’ ve never Painted with a Twist, contact the studio nearest you to find out what all the fun is about! What Twist will they throw your way?
Teams will be groups of two, three or four, and drivers must be 18 years or older. Bring a person who has never before Twisted and score extra points! Neighborhood knowledge will win you the most points, so contact your local studio for more information: Pittsburgh-North in Wexford 724.426.2935.
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