North Hills named United Way Champion District after student fundraising and volunteer efforts

The North Hills Board of Education on April 10 accepted a public recognition from the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania naming the district a 2024–25 “Champion District.”

The designation recognizes districtwide student and community efforts to volunteer and raise funds for United Way programs. Janice Sowers, manager and growth specialist with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, said the district completed three tasks required by the initiative, including volunteer events and a fundraising drive.

Sowers told the board the program aimed “to bring together students, faculty, [and] community around just a common focus on philanthropy.” She described volunteer activities including a trunk-or-treat event that benefited UPMC Children’s Hospital and decorations at the district’s tree at the Hilltop holiday event. The fundraising activity, a holiday sale called “Don't Be a Grinch, Buy a Sweet Treat for United Way,” sold ice cream sandwiches at the middle and high schools and raised $550 for United Way.

The district will receive a large banner noting the Champion District designation for display in a school gym or entryway. Sowers said partner organizations including the Pittsburgh Pirates joined in recognizing participating districts; the students who participated were offered tickets to a Pirates game on April 19.

Board members and district staff at the meeting introduced United Way representatives Janice Sowers and Kevin Platts and several student participants. The recognition was presented during the board’s regular legislative meeting; no formal vote was required to accept the award.

The recognition follows outreach the United Way described to multiple districts between Oct. 1 and March 1 and is intended to encourage ongoing student philanthropy.