Annual ‘Toast to Our Stars’ Event in North Charleroi

Last Updated on Friday, 30 October 2020 15:01

The Toast To Our Stars Club, Inc. of North Charleroi hosted a socially distanced, outdoor student recognition event on Sunday, August 9 at the North Charleroi Recreation League Park.

Emma Valla was recognized as the TTOS ‘Outstanding Athlete’ as well as an ‘Outstanding Scholar’ and received several educational awards.

Founded in 1951 by a group of civic minded residents, the organization promotes and recognizes the participation, achievements and success of high school students from the community in academics, athletics and the arts.

This event was in lieu of the organization’s 70th Annual Achievements Awards Banquet which was cancelled in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognition gifts were given to all awardees in attendance and a picnic-style dinner was served to the awardees and their families.

For the second year in a row, senior Emma Valla was recognized as the TTOS Outstanding Athlete. She was 4-year member of the Volleyball team and was selected to the All-Section Volleyball team the past two seasons. She was also a 3-year member of the Track and Field team.

Emma Valla was also recognized as one of two Outstanding Scholars. Her school activities include Student Council, Vice President of the STEM Club, Secretary of the Ski Club, Treasurer of the Executive Committee and she was also a student volunteer for Relay for Life, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Special Olympics, Camp Intervention and Middle School Volleyball. Emma is the daughter of Joe and Mary Valla and will attend Robert Morris University to study Nursing.

Amanda Cooke was also recognized as an Outstanding Scholar. Her school activities include Charleroi High School Musical Student Director, Vice President of the Drama Club, Yearbook Staff, STEM Club and founder of the Creative Writing Club. She was also a Gold Key Winner and National Medal Winner at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. Amanda is the daughter of Allen Cooke and will attend the University of Pittsburgh to study Astronomy.

The afternoon’s festivities concluded with the presentation of over $5,000 in educational financial awards to graduating seniors who will be furthering their education. The recipients were:

Tori Rocca (Business Management - Indiana University of Pennsylvania) – TTOS Cliff Nickisher Memorial Award

Amanda Cook (Astronomy - University of Pittsburgh) - Dorothy & Emil Hyk Memorial Award and a one-time special award donated by last year’s banquet speaker, Belle Vernon, Penn State and NFL football standout Bill Contz.

Emma Valla (Nursing – Robert Morris University) - TTOS Brad Pelzer Memorial Award, John Buberniak Memorial Award, Alfred “Aggie” Agamedi Memorial Award and the Richard “Frenchy” Pireaux Citizenship Award.

For more information and history about the Toast To Our Stars, visit their Facebook page or their websitetoasttoourstars.org.

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