Scholarship Award

The McCandless Democratic Committee awarded its first scholarship in 2006, and has raised more than $18,000 for students at North Allegheny through the efforts of the committee members. The annual scholarship is awarded to a North Allegheny senior who is a registered Democrat or child of a Democrat. The applicants are evaluated based on their civic engagement, academic achievement, and an essay about an issue from the Democratic platform. Past recipients of the scholarship have gone on to study political science, journalism, social work, and public health. Peggy Amatangelo, Scholarship Committee Chair stays in touch with former Scholarship recipients via email. Hearing of the continued successes of these incredibly talented students, "makes all our efforts worthwhile", reports Amatangelo.


Ms. Amatangelo is a former staff member of North Allegheny School District. 


The Scholarship Committee
Peggy Amatangelo, Chairperson
Joyceann Ditka
Jennifer Rapach

2018 Awardees - Jordan Farrell and Matt Como

2018 Awardees - Jordan Farrell and Matt Como

Donors

2018 Scholarship Donors

  • Jack Goodrich
  • Nora Peace
  • Pavara Ranatunga 
  • Jennifer Rapach
  • Paul Heckman
  • Marcia Caliendo
  • Irene Caliendo
  • Valerie Mullens
  • Shirley Novak

Thank you to our Anonymous Donors As Well!

  • Diane Cebulski
  • Carolynn Gibbs
  • Rita Martin
  • Ramona Nelson
  • Raymond C.
  • Gina Anetakis
  • Donald Greene
  • The Pasternak Family


Recent Awardees

2018 -Two outstanding recipients this year - Jordan Farrell and Matt Como

 

We are pleased to announce the two recipients of the 2018 McCandless Democratic Committee Scholarship, Jordan Farrell and Matt Como. The two will receive their awards at a Scholarship Presentation at McCandless Town Hall on Wednesday, June 6.

Jordan will be attending The Catholic University of America located in Washington DC in the fall to study political science. Her essay discussed the importance of dialogue between differing political opinions in the US, and explored the value of youth involvement in our politics. Jordan is currently working with Congressman Conor Lamb’s Congressional Campaign, and has volunteered with several other organizations, including The First Tee of Pittsburgh, UPMC Passavant Hospital, and Soles4Souls. This past year, Jordan was the captain of the North Allegheny Girls Golf team, who went on to be Pennsylvania State Champions. She will be continuing her golf career in college next year. Jordan is the daughter of Richard and Kathleen Farrell.


Matt Como will be attending Penn State University in the fall to study engineering. His essay was about the importance of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, and why it is a valuable opportunity for qualified immigrants to benefit from educational opportunities and contribute to our economy. At North Allegheny, Matt is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and has been playing football for NA since 6th grade. He is a committed volunteer who has done community service work with the North Hills Community Outreach, Animal Friends, and the Woodlands Foundation. Matt is the son of John and Anita Como of McCandless.


2017 - Julia C. M. Maruca

We are pleased to announce that Julia C. M. Maruca is the recipient of the 2017 McCandless Democratic Committee Scholarship. She is an aspiring journalist who will be attending Boston University Kilachand Honors College in the fall. Her essay deals with the importance of speaking on environmental issues and climate change, what we stand to lose from pollution and environmental damage, and the cooperation and teamwork it will take to make a difference. As a writer, she hopes to use her skills to spread awareness and facts about climate change. This year Julia is the Co-Editor in Chief of the North Allegheny North Star Magazine. She is looking forward to improving and building upon her strengths as a writer and environmental advocate. Julia is a committed volunteer with the NASH Key Club, the National Honors Society, the Marshall Elementary School Newspaper Club, and the Carnegie Library Hill District Reading Buddies program. She is also a musician in the North Allegheny Tiger Marching Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Bands. Julia is the daughter of William H. Maruca and Susan M. Morris of McCandless.