Join us Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Edgewood Country Club for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the “stars” of the Woodland Hills School District. We are proud to honor Joelisa McDonald, Distinguished Alumni of the Year, Class of 2008 and Mayor of Rankin, PA, along with Erin Wall, Distinguished Educator of the Year, AP English teacher and founder of the Student Summit. We are also pleased to announce that we will honor our schools’ Social Workers for their efforts to end hunger in our district.
Feel like a celebrity as you walk the red carpet and pose for photos with our “paparazzi” in front of our new, glamorous Starry Night Gala backdrop! Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while you browse our incredible silent auction, featuring artwork by Woodland Hills students, experiences, fine jewelry, and more. Raise a glass of wine in celebration of our honorees. Then, dance the night away to hits performed by Walkin’ Rosie, Pittsburgh’s premier cover band featuring talented Woodland Hills School District alumni!
Don’t miss this magical evening of glamour, celebration, and community spirit!
Announcing our 2026 Distinguished Honorees:
2026 Distinguished Educator of the Year
ERIN WALL
AP English 11, English Honors 10, English 11
Student Summit Founder
Erin Wall was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Educator of the Year for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to students. For more than twenty years, she has inspired generations as a teacher, mentor, and advocate. She founded the Woodland Hills Multi-District Student Summit, now in its seventh year, uniting students from over 30 districts. Erin’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom and truly sets her apart.
2026 Distinguished Alumni of the Year
JOELISA MCDONALD
Mayor of Rankin, PA
Class of 2008
Joelisa McDonald was selected as this year’s honoree because she embodies everything the Distinguished Alumni award represents: leadership, service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the Woodland Hills community. A proud graduate of Woodland Hills, Joelisa has dedicated her life to lifting others. Her heart for service, loyalty to the district that raised her, and ability to turn challenges into hope truly set her apart among an extraordinary field of nominees.
2026 Distinguished Service Award
Kellie Irwin
Woodland Hills High School
Brittany Miller
Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy
Sarah Rivers
Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy
Kiersten Snyder
Woodland Hills
High School
Danielle Zurisko
Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy
The Social Workers of Woodland Hills School District are being honored for their exceptional leadership and commitment to combating student food insecurity. Through Backpacks of Hope and the High School Food Pantry, they provide vital support to students and families, ensuring access to nutritious food during weekends, breaks, and times of greatest need — making a lasting impact on our school community.
With Special Guests:
ROBERT CARR
Event Emcee
WHHS Band Director, Junior Musical Director, Spring Musical Assistant Director
WALKIN’ ROSIE
Live Entertainment
Featuring Woodland Hills Alumni!
Tickets and Tables
VIP Table: $1,300
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Premier dinner seating for 8 guests at one table
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Two bottles of wine at your table
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“Last Look” during the Silent Auction: you and your guests will have VIP access for the last ten minutes of the auction to place final bids
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8 Diamond Raffle Tickets: one ticket for you and each of your guests to win our signature diamond
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Hors d’oeuvres/Dinner/Dessert
Community Supporter Table (Non-Profits Only): $850
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Seating for 8 guests at one table8
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Diamond Raffle Tickets
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Hors d’oeuvres/Dinner & Dessert
VIP Tickets: $150
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Hors d’oeuvres/ Dinner/ Dessert
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Wine at your table
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“Last Look” during Silent Auction
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1 Diamond Raffle Ticket
General Admission: $100
Teacher Tickets: $80
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Hors d’oeuvres/Dinner/Dessert
Program Ads
Send our Honorees your Best Wishes! All guests will receive a copy of the Souvenir Event Program. Plus, a digital version will be sent to over 4,000 of our supporters! Ads due Friday, February 20. Need help creating your ad? We are here to help! Just send us an email and we'll take care of the rest!
FULL PAGE: $100
HALF PAGE: $50
QUARTER PAGE: $25
CHECK BACK OFTEN! MORE UPDATES COMING SOON!