June 2013 - Allegheny West Magazine

Donaldson Students Pay it Forward in True WA Fashion
Students from Jacqui King’s fourth grade class welcome Gabbi and her family to
the “souper” fundraiser.
The lesson of paying it forward was
one Jacqui King’s fourth grade class
had been learning all year at Donaldson
Elementary School. An anonymous
donor, who approached the class and
offered $100 in seed money, challenged
them to apply what they learned and
pay it forward. In a simple twist of fate,
an opportunity to learn the true meaning
of the lesson presented itself in the
story of Gabriella (Gabbi) Giovengo.
Suffering from a rare condition called
bilateral atresia/microtia, Gabbi was born
without ear canals or ears and was left
with profound hearing loss and inevitable
speech delays. Although Gabbi
was approved for a surgery that would
correct the malformation and enable her
to hear, the family needed to raise over
$20,000 before the Idaho hospital would
schedule the procedure.
As their pay it forward project,
students decided to host a “souper” and
silent auction on March 21 to benefit the Ears
for Gabbi Fund. The response from students,
families and staff was overwhelming. Soups
were prepared by teachers and their families,
placemats and decorations were designed,
and donated items from the community
poured in to the classroom. One student and
a family member entertained attendees by
playing piano for the evening. One student
even walked dogs in her neighborhood to
contribute to the fundraising efforts.
Gabbi and her parents attended the dinner
and after a few shy moments with the
students she was invited to help and soon
enjoyed being the center of their attention. A
total of $1,600 was raised during the event
and presented to the family, whom have
since reached their financial goal.
“Words can’t do justice to what all of us
experienced throughout the evening,” noted
King. “Several parents told me they were
moved watching the love and support that
their children were giving Gabbi.”
The Giovengo family lives in the West
Allegheny School District where Gabbi will
attend Donaldson Elementary. This new
chapter in Gabbi’s life should be an easy
transition as she has already met so many
kind and caring friends who are anxious to
welcome her back.
Teachers Recognized in Favorite Teacher Contest
“You always felt special in her class,”
wrote Clay in her acrostic poem honoring
Sara Augustin.
“My teacher is really kind, every day she
teaches me something new in my mind,”
wrote Duffey in her poem recognizing
Kristin Burdick.
“I don’t think anyone realizes how much
she helped me understand reading,”
stated Musiol in her essay thanking
Sherry Pacella.
Three West Allegheny elementary teachers received honorable mentions in the 2013 My Favorite Teacher Contest sponsored by
Barnes & Noble. Nominated by students, Sara Augustin, third grade teacher at Donaldson Elementary was nominated by fourth
grader Mya Clay, Sherry Pacella, fourth grade teacher at Wilson Elementary was nominated by eighth grader Kaylee Musiol, and
Kristin Burdick, second grade teacher at McKee Elementary was nominated by second grader Riley Duffey.
All were recognized at a ceremony on April 16, at the Settlers Ridge Barnes & Noble store, where the students had an opportunity
to read their essays and present certificates to their respective nominees.