At a community conference on education in the Hill District, those in attendance had a chance to vote on three models for the future of their elementary schools. The models, developed by the Hill District Education Council, recommended the conversion of the schools to partial magnets or adding optional programs focusing on technology and science as well as a foreign language.

STAY THE COURSE —Rev. Johnnie Monroe urges the group to remain active.

“We believe we can develop an excellent education in the Hill,” said council co-chair Rev. Johnnie Monroe. “We want to put to rest the myth that Black kids can’t learn.”

The United Way launched “Caught Being Good,” last month, an initiative created to combat the pervading anti-education message that sometimes influences youths in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The launch was in Homewood at Faison Elementary School Oct. 22, with other dates Oct. 30 and Nov. 11.

CAUGHT BEING GOOD— From left: Fred Thieman, co-chair, Pittsburgh Youth Futures Commission and president, Buhl Foundation; Charles Moffatt, Allegheny County Police superintendant; Nate Harper, Pittsburgh chief of police; Bob Nelkin, president and chief professional officer, United Way of Allegheny County; and Erikka Jones, head of Afterschool Programs, Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Present for the launching were Fred Thieman, co-chair, Pittsburgh Youth Futures Commission and president, Buhl Foundation; Charles Moffatt, Allegheny County Police superintendant; Nate Harper, Pittsburgh chief of police; Bob Nelkin, president and chief professional officer, United Way of Allegheny County; and Erikka Jones, head of Afterschool Programs, Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Family and friends paid tribute to a “one of a kind,” young son, teammate, grandson and promise of hope, Kyle B. Wilson, at the Heinz Field East Club lounge. The talented saxophonist Derek Redd, entertained family and guests in the Grand Hall.

The evening began with cocktails and greetings as many selected their items to bid on during the silent auction. The 17-year-old student at Central Catholic High School, Kyle B. Wilson, who would have been a senior this year, died on Oct. 28, 2008 when an artery in his brain ruptured and caused a stroke.

FAMILY—Derrick Wilson, father; Derrick Knox, Lisa Wilson, step mother; Chace Knox, Amaya Faulkner, Aubrey Wilson and Ashleigh Wilson.

Although saddened by his passing, his life was celebrated with loving memories and a moving tribute of poetry, by Pittsburgh native poet Laurette, Vanessa Germane, a spiritual mime performed by Davar Ferguson and a ballet performance by the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, choreographed by Greer Jones.

Teaching kids the fundamentals of golf and showing them how to parlay it into a successful life and career are the reasons why Joe Louis Barrow, CEO of The First Tee and executive vice president of the World Golf Foundation, decided to lend his support and voice to an event at the Diamond Run Golf Club last month.

FOR THE CHILDREN— From left; Jerry Lopes, Steeler great L.C. Greenwood and Joe Louis Barrow were on hand to raise money for scholarships and help educate youths on lifelong values.

The World Golf Hall of Fame is an international initiative that celebrates and honors golf’s greatest players and contributors. The Golf Hall of Fame Museum, located in St. Augustine, Fla., boasts interactive exhibits and historic and personal exhibits that tell the stories of its members and the game of golf. There are about 130 members.