On Saturday, October 13, Manchester Academic Charter School (MACS) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a formal event at the UPMC Club Lounge at Heinz Field.

By Ashlee Green

Saturday’s event was themed “History of Pride, Future of Learning” and hosted by MACS CEO Vasilios A. Scoumis and Deputy CEO Dennis Henderson. It highlighted students, volunteers, teachers, alumni, community donors and events that helped grow the school since its start. Proceeds from the anniversary celebration’s silent auction went to students at MACS and their families.

“Let MACS know how much of a village it takes to get to the next 20 years,” said Emmai Alaquiva, Emmy Award-winning film director, composer, mentor and master of ceremonies for the evening.

MACS started with a small, private, community-minded elementary school within the Manchester Youth Development Center (MYDC), founded by Dr. Betty and Rev. James Robinson in 1968. Granted a charter by the Pittsburgh Board of Education in 1998, MACS now serves over 400 children throughout the Northside and Allegheny County. Saturday’s event featured live music by both Roger Humphries and the RH Factor Band and the Bill Henry Band.

In his welcome speech, Alaquiva honored Dr. Betty and Rev. Robinson and said MACS wouldn’t be what it is today without them.

“What MACS is doing for the Northside and doing for the community is outstanding.”