Starry Night Gala
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024
EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
VOTING IS NOW CLOSED
ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award is awarded annually to an alumni from Woodland Hills who has made an impact on our current students and/or community. The ideal winner will have not only achieved excellence in their career but also has volunteered or given of themselves and their time in an exemplary way.
When choosing a winner, you should consider nominees on the following criteria:
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Outstanding level of professional achievement
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Service to the community
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Service to the Woodland Hills School District
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Special recognition or honors
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Other special efforts or success
The honoree will be asked to attend the 2024 Starry Night Gala at Edgewood Country Club at 6 PM on Saturday, March 9, 2024. There, the awardee will be celebrated for their achievements with the opportunity to address Gala guests.
At the conclusion of the voting period, the Woodland Hills Foundation Gala Committee will be responsible for choosing the final winner, using a rubric to award points to the top three alumni nominees based on, but not limited to the following:
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The nominee has displayed exemplary achievement in the nominee’s area of specialization
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The nominee has received recognition, honors, and/or awards on the local, regional, national or international level
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The nominee was nominated by another alumni
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The nominee has demonstrated service to the community in which they live or have lived
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The nominee currently lives in, works in or has a business located in Woodland Hills School District
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If the nominee has children, the children live in Woodland Hills School District
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The nominee has been actively involved in the Woodland Hills Foundation or has provided support for the Foundation (either through volunteerism, financial support, in-kind support or other acts of charity or guidance).
Please review each candidate below and then use the form to place your vote. Once you hit "submit" please wait for a confirmation message to ensure your vote has gone through.
Voting will close at midnight on Friday, December 29, 2023.
Meet the 2024 Candidates:
Lynn Banaszak ‘85
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Lisa Kristian
“Lynn lives in Pittsburgh working for Amazon Corporate as Global Head of Inclusive Strategies & Initiatives creating a culture of inclusion for Amazon’s 1.5M employees. She haas worked for 30+ years as part of our region’s C-level executives driving progress and growth in economic development, civic, entrepreneurial, investment and innovation communities.
She has responsible for investment and branding of more than $80M in burgeoning healthcare and technology solutions which resulted in $1B follow-on investment in southwestern Pennsylvania and has helped secure $90M in other community initiatives and worked directly with 400+ startup companies.
Lynn Recruited to lead two prestigious CMU innovation centers & managed $52M dollars in research. Producer/co-host nationally-ranked podcast, Innovation Unleashed.Founded Women in Bio Pittsburgh and 2015 Athena Greater Pittsburgh winner for mentorship of young people & creating equal playing field for people in region.I
n 2016, she founded Caileigh Lynn McDowell Foundation to honor the beautiful life of niece, 17 year-old WHHS senior Caileigh, who tragically passed away April 2016 from undiagnosed Crohn’s Disease. The Foundation transforms political, social and economic systems/institutions to create a kinder, more equitable and just society for all through scholarships/programs.
Through both the foundation/individually, she has given back to community by leading more than $60,000 in scholarship awards to our graduating seniors; donated celebration yard signs to every senior since COVID crisis (our teachers/administrators have visited each student to deliver personally); facilitates Mother’s Bereavement Group for those in our community that lost a child, serving 300 community members since 2017.
Lynn also started an effort through the foundation to register our seniors to vote and has registered 1000+ young people since it began in 2017. Started season of kindness in partnership with HS student council includes being ambassadors at every building in our district. Distributed 35,000 kindness cards distributed nationally and many random acts of kindness “
Ellen Caparosa ‘06
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Katie Majewski
Dr. Caparosa received her MD degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Her postgraduate medical training included a general surgery residency and a colorectal surgery fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ellen has made a significant impact on the world of colorectal surgery. She is currently a colorectal surgeon in Atlanta, GA. Not only was Ellen highly involved in the musicals and other WHHS events, but she remains to be a proud graduate of the district.Dr. Caparosa’s articles have been published in a number of leading journals including Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer and Cancer, Biology and Therapy. As a board certified surgeon, Dr. Caparosa specializes in the surgical management of colon and rectal malignancies as well as inflammatory bowel disease, hereditary colorectal cancer, and anorectal disorders. She is primarily located at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown.
Tracey Conti ‘88
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Christopher Conti
“Having dedicated her life to clinical and academic medicine, health education, community advocacy and service, Tracey Conti, MD (WH ’88) continues to epitomize the qualities and attributes of our stellar school district.
As a brilliant scholar-athlete and campus leader, she established herself on as a bright light inside and out of the classroom.
Tracey received an academic scholarship to attend the Benjamin Banneker Honors College of Prairie View A&M University (TX), and after graduating from PVAMU, she matriculated to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
In Philadelphia, she continued to grow her passion for selfless service through medicine including school leadership appointments and participation in the Student National Medical Association at the regional and national levels.
She completed residency training in family medicine and fellowship training in women’s health and University of Maryland School of Medicine; serving as a Chief Resident. There she refined her skills as a clinician, academic physician, community health educator and advocate and administrator.
Returning home after completing training in 2001 (which was always her plan), she has worked selflessly within the UPMC Health System within the Department of Family Medicine Where she served as a Clinical Director, Health Center Director, residency program Director, and Vice-Chair. Her commitment to clinical excellence, the training of generations of young physicians, the needs of her patients and the broader community have established her as a nationally-recognized subject-matter expert on a multitude of clinical, health equity and advocacy topics
Despite her system and nationwide prominence as a health educator, researcher, advocate and public speaker, she continues to be driven by a commitment to humble servant-leadership. And as impactful and impressive as her professional accomplishments are, it is her ability to seamlessly balance all of this while giving her family her highest priority.
Her brilliant and compassionate work at the bedside and her confident leadership as a UPMC Health System and community change-agent have been matched by her service & work as a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Rankin, PA
Dr. Conti continues to keep God as her compass, Christ as her anchor and her family at the center of all that she does. Dr. Conti is married to Christopher Conti and the mother of seven children.
2020
Gateway Medical Society Physician of the Year
President, PA Academy of Family Physicians
2021
Chair, Department of Family Medicine, UPMC, Univ of Pgh School of Medicine
Member, UPMC Health Plan Board of Directors
* first African-American woman ever appointed to this Board
2022
UPMC Healthcare Champion Award
2023
Iota Phi Foundation, Achievement Award, Healthcare
New Pittsburgh Courier, Woman of Excellence Award
Chardae’ Jones ‘07
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Anonymous
“Chardae’ graduated from Carlow University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. She has also written several books and published them, herself. Chardae’ volunteers in her community by reading to the children in the community, were she teamed up with Reading Readines of Pittsburgh. Chardae’ also held several AI events in the surrounding communities where she taught people how to use AI for free. Chardae’ also partners up with the Braddock Carnegie Library to hold events in the Committee.
These are just a few things that she does to help her Community.
Chardae’ has won the 40 over 40 Award, Women of Excellence Award, Women of Courage Award, and is the Secretary of PA Young Democrats, and was the Youngest Mayor of Braddock. Chardae’ also just ran for Braddock Council and won and will be taking her seat in January of 2024.”
Akeya Kester ‘05
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Anonymous
“Akeya is a 2005 graduate of the Woodland Hills School District. During her time at Woodland Hills, Akeya engaged in various activities such as Advanced placement courses, the Gifted program, marching band, cheerleading, student council, and homecoming court.
After graduation, Akeya continued her education at California University of Pa where she earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Akeya has also obtained a master’s degree in professional counseling from Carlow University and is now a Licensed Professional counselor servicing the state of Pennsylvania and Florida.
Akeya is the owner of A Key to Peace, which is a counseling service providing virtual and in person therapy to adolescents and adults.
Akeya still resides in the Woodland Hills School District. Her eldest child recently graduated in June of 2023. She also has a child attending Turtle Creek Steam Academy and another attending Dickson Prepatory Steam Academy.
Akeya dedicates her time to partnering with non-profit organizations such as For Good Pgh, located in Braddock, Pa as well many others. Akeya returned to the Woodland Hills High School to speak with junior and senior girls about a career in counseling. Akeya has also extended her services to many members of the Woodland Hills community, offering workshops and group counseling sessions at her office located in Braddock, Pa. In 2017, Akeya won a seat as School Director for the Woodland Hills School District Region 3. Unfortunately, Akeya was unable to complete her full-term however that did not stop her from continuing the work that she set out to do to help students and other community members in her district. “
Summer Lee ‘05
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Ashley Comans
“Summer has been making history in state and federal politics. In 2018 she was the first Black woman elected to the Pennsylvania state house from southwestern PA.
Summer has been a voice for people across the district – championing initiatives that support sustainable jobs, environmental responsibility, police accountability, and gender and racial equity. She is a tireless advocate for workers’ rights, union protections, and the fight for a livable wage. Summer also brought millions back to her community for infrastructure upgrades and community revitalization during her time in the PA Legislature.
Summer now serves as the first Black woman in Pennsylvania to represent the commonwealth in the US Congress. In her first year she has brought back millions of investments to continue improvements across our region.Summer’s work day to day is in service to our community. Her role in elected office is to advocate for the needs of our communities. She knows a rising tide lifts all boats. He dedication to serving the people she represents is one she takes as high importance.
Incline Magazine Who’s Next Politics 2018.
New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 2019
Pittsburgh Magazine 40u40 2021
Dominque Sanders ‘09
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: Anonymous
I nominate Mr. Dominique Davis Sanders in acknowledgment of his exceptional leadership and dedicated community service in Braddock. Mr. Sanders has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the improvement of Braddock, serving as Council President for the last two years and making substantial contributions to various community events. It is particularly noteworthy that Mr. Sanders holds the distinction of being the youngest Black male Council President in the history of Braddock.
His commitment to the betterment of Braddock is evident through his active involvement in initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents. A wigmaker by trade, Dominique owns the Braddock-based business Strictly Luxury Hair, which specializes in customized wigs for clients with hair loss. He received recognition as the 1st place award winner in a local hair show. He’s also worked on the Woodland Hills prom line up for three consecutive years.
Mr. Sanders has also actively organized community events such as the Braddock Halloween Trunk or Treat, Braddock Angel Tree, and Braddock Light Up Night. These initiatives not only contribute to the vibrancy and sense of community within Braddock but also reflect Mr. Sanders’ genuine passion for creating memorable experiences and fostering a spirit of togetherness among residents.
Alicia Smith ‘09
2024 NOMINEE
Nominated by: DeAndrea Dudley, Glenn Terry and Anonymous (2)
As the former Borough of Braddock Manager and a current football coach with both WHMF and middle school, I feel like I have a great understanding of Wolverine pride and I believe that Alicia Smith embodies that pride.
Alicia and her family have always been involved in the school district and especially in her community of Braddock. Her mother, the late Tanya Smith was part of the Woodland Hills school board for many years as well as very active in the community. So you can almost say it is in her blood. Whether it was playing a sport, being an assistant coach for Woodland Hills girls basketball, or becoming a fresh faced member of the borough of Braddock’s council, she didn’t hesitate to take on the role. Since graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2014, she has made it her goal to give back to the community of Braddock and district by becoming an Early Learning Educator at Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning based in Braddock. She has been teaching and touching so many of our young wolverine’s lives and is loved by so many Woodland Hills families. I want to nominate her because she shows every day that she truly cares for her students, their families, and the community.
Alicia can always be found giving her time and effort to the community of Braddock and the Woodland Hills area youth. Through her 2019 T.E.A.M. basketball program, Alicia has also brought attention to the social emotional development and needs of the community, developed physical goals with the members to further their sports success, and provided nutrition and financial resources to its families. Her work in the Braddock council provided the community with opportunities such as toy drives, the annual Christmas party, the Juneteeth Celebration, and trunk or treating. Her impact on the community through the education of the future wolverines of the Woodland Hills is felt from the youngest to the oldest of Heritage. The relationships Alicia has built with each child and family greatly impacts their success at Heritage as well as Woodland Hills.
Elected to become one of the youngest council members ever on Braddock Borough’s council
Early learning educator (Toddler/ Pre-K) with Heritage 4 Kids Early Learning since 2014 in the community of Braddock
Created a nonprofit (T.E.A.M Braddock Project) in the community of Braddock to introduce different sports , sports performance training, as well as to teach the importance of academic success in sport. The nonprofit also provided nutrition and financial resources to families
Participated in Braddock community days since she was a child
While on council she assisted with planning various events for the community of Braddock such as the annual Christmas party, trunk or treat, and Juneteenth celebration