2023 NA Distinguished Alumni Acceptance Speech

I’m truly humbled and proud to have been chosen as the 2023 recipient of the Spirit of North Allegheny award. I’ve worked hard my whole adult life to inspire and encourage the youth in our community to strive to be the best version of themselves, and to shine their light on others.

I'm so grateful and over-flowing with joy & appreciation to be surrounded by the most supportive, encouraging, and loving people in my life.

From the bottom of my heart I thank the North Allegheny Foundation, Alice Beckett-Rumberger, and the teachers and coaches who made it their mission to help me see the value in myself. As I said in my acceptance speech (below):

It's incumbent upon all of us to "Make Someone's Eyes Shine". That my friends, is The Spirit of NA.

To be recognized by the North Allegheny community for my efforts helping others is absolutely an achievement I will cherish forever. Here’s my acceptance speech. Take a look!