BE THERE AWARDS FINALISTS 2017
United Way’s “Be There Awards” recognize adults that go above and beyond to be there for our students every day, doing incredible things to inspire and motivate students. This year, Be There received 34 nominations from across Allegheny County and selected 17 finalists. Four winners will be awarded on the night of the event.
This year, the Be There Awards are taking place as a part of The Consortium for Public Education’s Champions of Learning Event, celebrating individuals and groups in our region who create and expand learning opportunities for our students.
JESSICA LYON
Jessica Lyon is a music teacher at Propel who turned her music classroom of students into a regional drum performance team that performs using recycled materials under black lights and incorporates student-made choreography. On a daily basis, Jessica empowers her students through accountability and setting expectations, revealing to them the power of their creative, authentic voice.
ERIK EWEL
Erik Ewel is the Communications Specialist at Propel Schools. This year, Erik expanded Propel’s Backpack Feeding Program to provide weekend meals to over 500 students across Allegheny County. The skills that Eric brings to Propel and his connections within the wide Propel community are invaluable.
KATHY FITZGERALD
Kathy Fitzgerald is a kindergarten teacher noted as being a role model for other teachers for the past 25 years. She is an exemplary figure of education and has devoted her life to making sure students succeed in life. She holds students accountable in their attendance and academics with a loving but firm touch. Twelfth grade students often seek her out upon graduating to thank her for her impression on them.
NIKKIA INGRAM
Nikkia Ingram is the founder of Cultivating Resilient Youth. Starting as a school security guard, Nikkia created the organization for the girls of the high school, which has now expanded to give services into the college years. A phenomenal person, mentor and change maker, Nikkia has sacrificed much to ensure that our youth have better days ahead.
STEPHANIE LEWIS
Stephanie Lewis is the Director of Educational Initiatives at The Oasis Project. She commits her time and energy to always be there for the children of Homewood, and influences both children and adults around her to do the same.
JEANINE BAXTER
Jeanine Baxter works with the children in the Oak Hill community and goes above and beyond in everything thing she does. Outside of her position, she supports her students’ activities, attending their competitions and school events. Jeanine is a role model to those around her, including the children. She works hard to provide the kids with an enriching after school programming, full of interactive learning experiences. Jeanine has found her purpose in the Oak Hill community and her impact is felt by the many youth and their families she encounters.
MALISSA SEMAN
Malissa Seman of Big Brothers Big Sisters connects kids with positive role models so they can develop big dreams. She remembers and can speak to challenges that each student faces- an accomplishment considering she works with hundreds of youth. Her spirit on a daily basis is what helps to make the program so meaningful.
WILL ALLEN
Will Allen is the founder of the Will Allen Foundation. Described as a servant leader, Will continuously strives to give supports to students of greatest need, even if it means providing free services to do so. He believes in the power of mentoring. When talking about his long-term vision, he wants to serve for the rest of his life. To Will, it’s not a job – it’s a calling.
DION JONES
Dion Jones works with Garfield Jubilee where many describe him as family. Dion works to include the most disconnected in his community and has integrated youth decision making by creating a youth council. A participant in Dion’s program stated that the program is where his life changed, where he feels stability and where he experiences success.
ALICHIA PARKER
Alichia Parker is the founder of Malaika Learning Center where students learn at a young age through a curriculum she created. In recent years, she expanded her program to serve teens to equip them for college. Her aspiration is to be an example to the marginalized people of society, and equip them with the understanding that it is possible to become a person who can make a difference.
SUSIE BACKSCHEIDER
Susie Backscheider coordinates a mentoring program for refugee and immigrant children. She works constantly for those youth, even taking her students on weekend college visits when such activities are not part of her job description. The time Susie puts in helping the kids, the patience she has shown and her kindness inspires many young adults.
RACHEL STOJKOVIC
Rachel Stojkovic of Urban Impact is recognized for volunteering her time for the students of King Elementary, giving her time for them on weekends, buying them uniforms and even driving children to school if needed. Rachel is a young lady who loves the kids of Pittsburgh King. She believes in the kids of the North Side, mentors them, tutors them and builds loving relationships with them.
TIFFANY KLINE
Tiffany Kline is a police officer who invests in the children of her zone through the local library. She created a chess club that some 60 youth regularly attend, and volunteers as a reading buddy. Working in an undeserved population, hunger, fear and unsafe living conditions can affect students in the classroom. Officer Tiffany will often quietly take aside a child acting out and talk to them about what is going on and how can she help. As a police officer, she protects and serves, but she also carries burdens for these kids.
MARLENY CRISPIN
Marleny is a parent volunteer at Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8. Marleny is noted for staying a full 12 hours at the school each Wednesday to support the students in and after school. As an English language learner Marleny is a great role model for the diverse Latino student population at Arsenal. Because of Marleny, additional Spanish speaking parents have joined the volunteer team and have become more active in school events.
JENN KING
Jenn King is a volunteer and advocate for children of the city. She has spoken at School Board meetings, and has helped secure vital resources for schools, such as crossing guards and nurses. She leads by example, brings about inclusion of all parents and helps promote healthy community relationships. Jenn has the ability to step up to the plate and make things happen.
BARB SIPPEL
Barb Sippel is a volunteer at Pittsburgh King. She gives countless hours to the lives of the students through tutoring, reading support, and more. She is a one-of-a-kind advocate for students and works with parents of the children she tutors. She provides support for families and kids.
MAYLYNN GRISER
Maylynn Griser is a parent volunteer at Pittsburgh Arsenal and believes it’s helped her become a better role model in the community. Maylynn helps with seasonal events like the Lawrenceville Cookie Mall and present wrapping for the middle school holiday store. She also helps plan annual volunteer events and field trips and is a regular volunteer in all 3 kindergarten classrooms.
