#DifferenceMakers: The Consortium for Public Education held its annual Champions of Learning Awards Dinner at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, Downtown, for nearly 250 guests Saturday night. After a reception for the 23 finalists and guests, executive director Mary Kay Babyak welcomed everyone before the program and dinner. “At the Consortium we often talk about the importance of hope and the need for every one of our kids to believe they have a wonderful future in store for them,” she said. The awards dinner grew out of a desire to honor the individuals and groups who do more than hope by taking action to ensure the future is indeed bright for generations of students. The Champions of Learning Special Tribute was awarded to Sarah Tambucci for a career in education that has spanned half a century. The Arts Award went to Attack Theatre, represented by Michele de la Reza. Floyd Jones was presented with Community Outreach Award for Youth Enrichment Services, while Corina Bonsall received the Teaching Award and DMI Companies, represented by Katie Hager, won the Business Partnerships Award. The Leadership Award went to Bart Rocco. The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania teamed with the Consortium to present the Be There Awards to honor adults who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives children. Michael Gupp won the School Staff Award and Jeimy Ibarra was presented with the Providers Award. Neal Williams walked away with the Volunteers Award. It was an evening of applause and recognition.

First Published: April 9, 2018, 11:00 a.m.