The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Congratulations to DeAnna Perez Hall, winner of the Week 7 Jerome Bettis Leadership Award! DeAnna is an outstanding student-athlete at Obama Academy, known for her leadership, work ethic, and positivity. A corner/DB and four-year program leader, she sets the tone by showing up early, stepping up first, and encouraging her teammates every step of the way. She is a 4.4 GPA student, Big 33 Flag Football selectee, and founding member of Latinos Unidos, DeAnna leads with excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in her community.

Congratulations to Viyhshaela Macon, winner of the Week 6 Jerome Bettis Leadership Award! Viyhshaela is an outstanding student-athlete at Sto-Rox, known for her leadership, consistency, and team-first mindset. A RB/DB who leads with positivity and confidence, she supports her teammates and creates an inclusive environment on and off the field.

THE PICK IS IN! What a moment for and for youth leadership. As the Steelers announced their first-round Draft pick, several Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Honorees joined Jerome Bettis and Roger Goodell on stage for a national spotlight moment celebrating the next generation of leaders.

The NFL Draft is about changing futures — and we’re seeing that unfold in Pittsburgh this week. While players and teams shape the future of the game, young people in our communities are shaping the future through service, leadership, and support of others.

Now in Season 4, the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award recognizes outstanding boys HS football and girls HS flag football student-athletes who are making a difference in their schools and communities.

We’re proud to celebrate these remarkable young leaders and all they are doing to create stronger futures for others. Congratulations to our Honorees — and welcome to Pittsburgh, Max Iheanachor!
Pittsburgh Steelers

CALLING ALL MENTORING PROGRAMS/YOUTH-SERVING ORGS!
Over the next three weeks, is conducting a survey of those who work in youth mentoring to gather their perspectives on the uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the work of running a mentoring program and supporting young people. We’d love to hear from you about this important topic! Click the link below to share your thoughts in a brief, 5-minute survey.

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8765970/AI-in-Youth-Mentoring

What an incredible week for Pittsburgh! Last night’s Taste of the NFL Draft event was a great celebration of everything that makes our region special — community, culture, great food, and a deep love of football. As Pittsburgh hosts the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s exciting to see our city taking center stage on a national platform.

Even more inspiring was the event’s support of GENYOUth , an organization helping schools across the country expand student access to nutrition and physical activity.

Moments like these remind us what’s possible when communities come together to invest in young people and create opportunities for the next generation. Happy Draft Week and Here We Goooooo!
Office of the Allegheny County Executive . Emily Kinkead

Meet our 5th 2026 Girls Flag Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Winner: Kendall Lee! She is an outstanding student-athlete who leads with confidence, positivity, and determination. She uplifts teammates, celebrates others, and brings energy on and off the field. Congrats Kendall!

Congratulations to Alaina Cafardi, winner of the Week 4 Jerome Bettis Leadership Award! Alaina is an exceptional leader at Pine-Richland High School and a driving force behind the school’s inaugural Girls Flag Football program. She is consistently supportive of her peers, encouraging others and celebrating their success. Alaina leads with empathy, confidence, and positivity. Congrats Alaina!

Meet our 3rd 2026 Girls Flag Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Winner: Simone Sharpless! Simone is a star on the field for ,in the classroom and in the community, truly leading by example and through her unselfish, humble nature. She was a huge part in getting girls flag football started at North Catholic, now the second largest girls sport at the school.

Strong developmental relationships are among the most powerful drivers of student success. Join us for this 1-hour virtual info session for an introduction to our consultative framework for strengthening belonging, mentoring systems, and student outcomes! Register at the link below.
https://www.mentoringpittsburgh.org/news_posts/school-services-info-session

Meet our 2nd 2026 Girls Flag Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Winner: Madi Barnyk! Madi exemplifies what it means to be a leader for her teammates and her community. A senior for , Madi’s dedication extends beyond the field, serving as a head counselor for the YMCA summer camp, coaching youth flag football teams, officiating games, as well as being a critical member of the school’s Student Athlete Leadership Team. She also volunteers at events through National Honor Society, HMS Open House and the CVE Fun Run. Congrats Madi!

Congrats to Luciana Zagacki, our 1st 2026 Girls Flag Jerome Bettis Leadership Award Winner! Luciana is an excellent leader for the North Allegheny Tigers Girls Flag Football team. She is always supportive of teammates ideas, and is proactive in addressing a gap that she may see. She has a contagiousness about the way she carries herself, making those around her likely to follow in her footsteps both on and off the field. Luciana is a 2 sport letter winner, a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers with the Just for Girls Sports Camp every summer and is an active member of her church. Congratulations, Luciana!