Emily Matschner, left, and Charice McCoy, center, recieve $500 scholarships from Mark Fatla, executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference. (Photo/Corrie Carrington)

“Simply the Best” was the theme of The Northside Leadership Conference’s 27th Annual Scholarship & Awards Dinner on June 10 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Center.

Mark Fatla, executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference, welcomed those in attendance and spoke about the Conference’s successes and challenges over the past year.

Fatla explored the night’s theme by looking at why the Northside is the best in sports, politics, attractions, outdoor activities, partnerships and neighborhoods.

“But the dinner committee wasn’t thinking of any of that when they picked the theme,” Fatla said. “They were thinking of our young people who are receiving scholarships and our dedicated neighborhood volunteers. They are simply our best.”

Jack Hunt, better known as Johnny Angel, was master of ceremonies for the event, which celebrated the accomplishments and efforts of the young and the old. 

20 students from various Northside schools were awarded for their scholastic and volunteer achievements. Through the charity of corporate sponsors, The Northside Leadership Conference awarded 14 scholarships, worth $1,000 each. Pittsburgh Northside Rotary president Wayne Alling also awarded six laptops to high achievers.

Numerous community and business volunteers were awarded for their hard work in the community as well as a Northside Service Provider Award. Perhaps the highlight of the evening occurred when lifetime achievement awards were presented given to four long-time Northsiders for their years of service and dedication.

In all, the hundreds of guests who attended, residents, business owners and students, reflected the spirit and hard work of the Northside. Pittsburgh City Council President Darlene Harris and Councilman Daniel Lavelle were on hand to present certificates to the nights’ many awardees.

Bistro-to-Go catered the dinner, Penn Brewery supplied the beer and desserts were sponsored by Urban Settlement Services.

Amber Mullen, Spring Hill / Pittsburgh Perry High School
Andrew Geisler, Summer Hill / Pittsburgh CAPA
Jessica Bickert, Observatory Hill / Vincentian Academy
Joshua Smith, Brighton Heights / Vincentian Academy
Maria Bagnato, Observatory Hill / Vincentian Academy
Tyler Raehn, Brighton Heights / Pittsburgh CAPA

Jennifer Dulski, Troy Hill / North Catholic High School
Benjamin Ramsden, Spring Hill / North Catholic High School
Stephanie Skinger, Brightwood / Pittsburgh CAPA
Desirae Madison, Brighton Heights / Pittsburgh Oliver High School
Steven Scott, Northview Heights / Pittsburgh Perry High School
Rachel Woods, Observatory Hill / Winchester Thurston Academy

Neighborhood and Business Awardees:
Debra Caplan: Allegheny General Hospital
Alex Watson: Allegheny West Civic Council
Donna Kramer: Brighton Heights Citizens Federation
Teresa Radwan: Brightwood Civic Group
Randi Marshak: Central Northside Neighborhood Council
Harold Ralph: Charles Street Area Council
Tom Pierce: Community Alliance of Spring Garden/ East Deutschtown
David Stacy: East Allegheny Community Council
Walt Spak: Fineview Citizens Council
Dr. Patricia Washington: Manchester Citizens Corporation
Jane Sestric: Observatory Hill, Inc.
Shirley Jordan: Perry Hilltop Citizens Council
Robert Sobocinski: Spring Hill Civic League
John  Clayton: Summer Hill Citizens Committee
Jan Loney: Troy Hill Citizens Inc.

Northside Service Provider Award:
Steel City Boxing Association: Robert Sobocinski