Lifestyles Report…A picnic with a purpose 2

DEBBIE NORRELL
DEBBIE NORRELL

Last year I shared a story about a picnic that I went to that really warmed my heart. It was a scholarship picnic given by Doreen and David Moore. I was invited to come back this year for the Paying it Forward Picnic held on July 25. It was a beautiful summer day and this year I thought I knew what I was in for; a good time, good food and a scholarship presentation, but the Moore’s had a surprise for everyone.
After a fabulous picnic dinner, the scholarship recipient was introduced. This year’s scholarship recipient was selected from Penn Hills High School and her name was Savannah Wiggins. The Moore’s described her as a dynamo; small in stature, but a young lady that would capture our hearts with her personality, intelligence and a whole lot of talent. They were absolutely right.
After a brief interview with her, I discovered that I had seen her perform during the 2014 performance of “The Wiz” at Penn Hills H.S. She was fantastic. When I saw her on stage I knew that this young lady had a bright future ahead of her.
Wiggins will attend the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, Pa., and major in voice development and performance. She performed a few songs for the crowd and they were impressive. Wiggins received a scholarship of $1,500. David Moore then pulled out the big reveal. This year they had some money left over and they found another worthy recipient, Philip Mieh, a graduate of City Charter High who was heading to the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus. Mieh received $1,000.
The crowd was impressed. The Moores could have easily saved that money for the next picnic, used it to cover all the food that they serve and the favors that are given out, but they took the time to find another young person to encourage. How cool is that?
They also gave an update on some previous scholarship recipients. CAPA graduate DaMara Chanel Underwood graduated from Howard University with honors and is now pursuing her career. If you watched Governor Wolf’s Inauguration you saw and heard her sing.
Taylor Allderdice graduate Colston Cooper graduated from Point Park University with a degree in civil engineering. Cooper, who had graduated with honors and was in the honors program, is now pursuing his engineering license. There were reserved tables for the former scholarship recipients and their families, and for the 2015 scholarship recipients. It was really heartwarming.
I hope the students, and the parents of the students, who have received the Paying It Forward scholarships will remember the kindness of David and Doreen Moore, and will remember to reach back and help someone else or at least contribute to the Moore scholarship fund.
I know scholarship season is over, but just a reminder to young parents—plan for your children’s education early; help them with their studies, help them write essays, and explain that working and volunteering are just as important as having fun. With good grades, scholarships will come their way.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)

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