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North Allegheny highlights NA Empower program, names 193 contest participants and winners
Summary
School district leaders presented the NA Empower annual report, described new student ambassador work and reported participation numbers; the board recognized winners in writing, fine arts and dance from the districtwide “Power of Belonging” contest.
The North Allegheny School Board on May 21 heard an annual report on NA Empower, the district’s student empowerment program, and recognized winners of this year’s NA Empower expression contest.
District Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education David DeRaimo said the presentation was “an exciting night for us as a celebration of our students,” and described NA Empower as part of the district’s strategic plan to “empower students” and amplify student voice across the district.
The report showed the program has expanded its student ambassador structure and outreach. Presenters said each of the district’s 12 buildings now has a designated building ambassador and that students participated not only as entrants but as judges, outreach volunteers and in NATV production. Doctor Frasier, a program presenter, said the district has seen “an increase in students reporting alleged either harassment or bullying,” and added that not all reports have been substantiated but that the new reporting system has helped students reach adults when they need support.
Janelle Biagirelli, assistant principal at Carson Middle School, detailed the committee’s meeting structure, shared resources and the use of a shared drive to coordinate events. Presenters credited the “rebirth” of the NA Empower committee to the late Dr. Marcia Martin, for whom the contest is named, and described student-driven decisions such as selecting the contest theme.
This year’s contest, themed “The Power of Belonging,” ran March 4–April 5. Presenters gave these participation figures: 54 writing submissions, 132 art submissions, 193 student participants and 186 separate submission entries. Organizers said the arts category was expanded this year to include dance and that 91 volunteers assisted with the program, including 52 student volunteers. The district’s high school television crew (NATV) filmed winners for a recognition video.
Board members and the presenters called attention to the program’s role in student engagement and noted plans to continue expanding participation and community involvement. The board then recognized winners and honorable mentions across grade bands and categories; winners were called forward to receive certificates and prizes.
Winners named during the recognition included Cora Hickton (K–3 writing), Tia Yuan (4–5 writing), Shree Dania (6–8 writing), Shamuka Vasoussi Ganavan Rama (9–10 writing), Medina Sadredan (11–12 writing), and multiple fine-arts winners including Anaya Pushkarna and Ashley Suwon Shim. Organizers said a reception for entrants and families was held earlier at Carson Middle School.
The district provided a district web page with further details about NA Empower and instructions for students or parents who want to join the program or serve as building ambassadors.
Organizers and board members framed the program as a combination of student voice, culture and outreach rather than a change in curriculum; they emphasized that the reporting system is intended to connect students with trusted adults when incidents are reported.
The board did not take a formal vote on the presentation; the item was a report and recognition.
