Out & About: CASA of Westmoreland recognizes special advocates

Shirley McMarlin, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

May 7—Leadership is more than just talking, it's doing.

That was the message Executive Director Mitchell Samick gave to attendees at the 14th annual CASA of Westmoreland Leadership Breakfast, held April 28 at Word of Life Church in Hempfield.

For CASA, that means providing court-appointed advocates to be a voice in the courts on behalf of abused and neglected children in Westmoreland County.

Volunteer advocates are recognized at the breakfast, along with young people who set an example of leadership and service in their schools and communities.

Bob Weaver of Greensburg was recognized as Advocate of the Year. A retired Westmoreland County detective in his first year as CASA volunteer, he took on three cases involving five children.

Advocate Spotlight Awards went to Jennifer D'Souza and Mary Jane Snyder, both in their first year with CASA, and Paul Milz, an advocate since 2016.

CASA founder and Westmoreland County President Judge Christopher Feliciani presented his namesake Youth Leadership Awards.

Greater Latrobe Senior High School senior Arielle Teppert received the individual leadership award. In addition to membership in a number of school-based teams and organizations, Teppert has partnered with One Simple Wish to collect school supplies and raise more than $5,000 for foster children.

The team leadership award went to the Jeannette Junior/Senior High School freshman class officers, Ronald Stout, Steven Tabor, Kharma Craft and Paige Richardson.

With more than 100 hours of community service among them for the school year, the four have organized and participated in school clubs and projects and in events to benefit the community.

Samick also noted the need for more advocates, with Weaver saying men especially are needed as mentors. In 2022, Samick said, 82 CASA volunteers served 158 children, with more than 30 waiting to be paired with advocates.

CASA staffers Evan Markowitz, Melissa Burns, Kelly Rowe, Jillian Tocco, Lauren Adamson, Hannah Oldham and Kate Sell welcomed more than 270 attendees.

Seen: Chris Mohler-King, Andrea Bortoluzzi, Samantha Stewart, Ernie and Georgia Teppert, Dan DeBone, Mandy Zalich, Eric Bononi, Suzanne Wright, Dan Galbraith, Jon Wian, Bob Spock, Jude Abraham, Carol Palcic, Alisha Scroggins, Woody McCall, Jennifer Lunden, Tim Smith, Tracy Grace, Philomena Vanek, Jim Bendel and Aaron Allen.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .