Over the past two decades, hundreds of seniors at Penn Hills High School have launched the next phase of their education with a special gift -- a $500 award from the scholarship committee of the Penn Hills Parent-Teacher Association Council.

The PTA Council and parent groups at individual schools have raised a total of nearly $400,000 to provide the one-time awards to about 800 seniors, including members of the current graduating class.

At 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in the high school gym, the scholarship committee will host its annual fundraiser -- a volleyball tournament that has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the school district.

Ten teams representing a variety of district operations -- from teachers and principals to school board members and maintenance staff -- will compete for a trophy. Tickets are $2 for adults, $1 for students.

The PTA Council scholarship program began in the 1980s with awards to 12 students, said committee chair Barbara Wyke. Fifty to 60 seniors will receive awards this year, she said.

All schools in the district, including elementary and middle, raise money for the senior scholarships. Local businesses and individuals also contribute funds.

Scholarships sponsored by individual elementary schools go to seniors who went to those schools. Even the PTAs from the former William Penn and Shenandoah elementary schools, which closed at the end of the last school year, will provide scholarships to members of this year's senior class.

Mrs. Wyke, mother of four Penn Hills graduates, and Doreen Kean, mother of two graduates, returned to co-chair the 17-member scholarship committee this year.

Membership on the committee is a year-round commitment, Mrs. Wyke said. In addition to praising the committee for its hard work, she emphasized members' attention to the inclusivity of the awards and a careful review process.

All seniors who are planning to continue their education at college or vocational school are encouraged to apply, including students with special needs. Applications, which are due each December, ask for information about students' accomplishments and goals. Every applicant also must include a short essay about a teacher who had a particular influence.

The seniors who win this year's awards will be honored at a banquet April 28 at Linton Middle School. A highlight of the event is the reading of the essays lauding educators who have had an impact on students. Many times, retired teachers come back for this honor.

"It's emotional for everybody," Mrs. Wyke said.

Until then, the scholarship committee will continue to raise money for what is expected to be the largest distribution of scholarships to date. Tomorrow's volleyball fundraiser, which also will include an auction and concessions, is expected to push the scholarship fund up by at least $2,000.

This year's tournament will be directed by Jay Mitlo, coach of the girls' volleyball team. He takes over for Dan Brown, boys' volleyball coach and a retired teacher, who ran the tournament for a decade.

"The main objective is fun, but the teams do like to win," Mrs. Wyke said with a laugh.

The committee also continues to seek donations from the community. Although many donors commit year after year, new donors are sought.

Mrs. Wyke noted that donations need not be for the full amount of a $500 scholarship -- any amount is welcome.

To donate, call 412-795-9165.