Congratulations to Shaler Area High School teacher Catlyn DiPasquale, who was recently recognized as a District 1 Difference Maker by Allegheny County Council District 1 officials.
Mrs. DiPasquale received the award for her dedication toward serving the people and community around her and dedication to making a difference in her community.
During the onset of the pandemic, when businesses and schools were closed ad families were spending more time in their homes, Mrs. DiPasquale set out to build the community within her neighborhood. She started a monthly community newsletter to reach all of the neighbors and organized outdoor events and activities to bring people together in a safe way. She organized a schedule of weekly food trucks to serve her neighborhood and support the local businesses, book clubs and outdoor adult events such as craft workshops to serve the adults, and themed outdoor activities for children. The neighborhood partnered with the North Hills Community Outreach to hold a toy drive and adopt a family for Christmas. Mrs. DiPasquale also worked with her HOA to purchase an inflatable screen and projector in order to host monthly movie nights in their neighborhood park.
“My goal was to bring together the people in my neighborhood through shared activities, experiences, and community service,” Mrs. DiPasquale said.