Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Each recipient was selected because of the significant contributions they made to our school district, community and beyond in one or more of the following three areas: Career Achievement or Military Service Distinction, Service to Society, and Service and Support to the Moon Area School District. Their accomplishments, affiliations, and careers honor a legacy of excellence.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Hannah Davis, Class of 2017

Hannah, a 2017 graduate of Moon Area, is a Marine Corps veteran and acclaimed soprano serving in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band as both a vocalist and moderator. She has performed for audiences around the world and for some of the most prominent events in the nation, including appearances as a soloist for the President and First Lady of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and international gatherings such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.

Her career highlights include performances at the 60th Presidential Inauguration, the WNBA All-Star Game, Memorial Day ceremonies honoring military leaders, and numerous White House events under both the Biden and Trump administrations. She has also been a featured soloist for the Marine Corps Worship Service, the 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, and the 2024 Marine Band national tour.

A skilled coloratura soprano, Hannah began her operatic studies at West Virginia University, earning a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance before pursuing her Master’s at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where she will graduate in 2025. She has received top honors including First Place in the Peabody Art Song Competition, the award for Best Performance of an Art Song by an African American Composer, and the Lillian Mann Award.

In addition to her musical achievements, Hannah is dedicated to service, contributing her talents to faith-based organizations such as Love of God Ministries and The Gathering Place DC. Her artistry, professionalism, and commitment to representing her country through music have made her a distinguished ambassador for both the Marine Corps and the Moon Area community.

Heather McNeish Gray, Class of 1994

Heather's journey as a dedicated American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter spans nearly 30 years, built on a strong foundation of leadership, creativity, and service. She graduated from Moon Area in 1994, where she made history as the school’s first solo female Drum Major. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of
Pittsburgh, where she was named Homecoming Queen and honored as Outstanding Student Leader, before completing her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at Duquesne University.

Nationally certified through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and registered with the Pennsylvania Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), Heather has interpreted at more than 300 theater performances, concerts, and public events. She serves as Interpreter Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and is deeply
committed to community service, volunteering for over a decade to interpret Sunday services at Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community and mentoring students in Interpreter Training Programs as well as new ASL interpreters entering the profession.

Her creative work extends beyond interpreting. As co-founder and Executive Producer of the Deaf-owned production company Silent Visual Media and co-host of the ASL gameshow SignTasTic!, Heather has helped bring accessible, Deaf-centered entertainment to streaming audiences nationwide. Her talents as a performer have earned her three Pittsburgh New Works Festival Donna Awards for acting and praise
from Pittsburgh City Paper as “absolutely, hands-down, over-the-top brilliant.” She was also a finalist in the Steeltown Film Factory competition for her screenplay Life After Deaf.

Heather’s lifelong commitment to connection and gratitude shines in her personal tradition of sending handwritten thank-you cards each week and in her dedication to giving back to the community she calls home in Moon Township.

Previous Recipients

2024

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Mr. Alan D. Lesh, Class of 1974

Upon graduating in 1974, Alan Lesh joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years as a personnel specialist. He was released as a petty officer third class. Mr. Lesh married and had a son. During Operation Desert Storm, he re-enlisted and became a storekeeper (logistics specialist).

Mr. Lesh entered the Navy Reserve and held several jobs in the civilian workforce, including bookkeeper/accountant, computer programmer and warehouse supervisor. He was deployed to Kuwait/Iraq in 2006/2007. As his unit was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, he retired from the Navy as a logistics specialist chief petty officer with an Expeditionary Warfare Pin (LSC(EXW)).

During his 24 years of service, he participated in the Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom campaigns. During the 1990s, Mr. Lesh coached hockey for Moon Area as the head Little Tigers coach and assistant varsity coach. After finishing his coaching career, he moved on to broadcast Moon Area hockey on MCA-TV. From there, he began broadcasting sports for Champs Sports Network and later with OLSH. Mr. Lesh has been broadcasting football, basketball, baseball and softball for OLSH since 2010. Mr. Lesh has enjoyed his broadcasting career as he remains committed to making the athletic experience special for athletes and their families

Mr. Thomas E. Richards, Class of 1972

Thomas Richards, who graduated from Moon Area High School in 1972, was a servant leader to his family, friends and coworkers. He was committed to giving back to his community, with Christian ministries and education being two of his favorite philanthropic interests.

At Moon Area, Mr. Richards was a standout basketball player for the varsity team who received numerous awards and accolades over the years. After high school, he went to become the CEO of CDW and a University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees Chair. Mr. Richards was honored by Pitt for his service with a memorial bench outside Heinz Chapel. The lobby in the Petersen Events Center and the auditorium in the Hillman Cancer Assembly Building bear his name.

On Oct. 28, 2021, Mr. Richards passed away after a 14-month battle with cancer.

2023

Mr. Bryan Benson, Class of 1992

Bryan Benson is a proud resident of the Moon Area School District since 1980 and a dedicated member of the Moon Township Parks and Recreation team since 2017. Mr. Benson holds the esteemed position of President at the 501C organization known as "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes," which tirelessly raises funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Over the past nine years, he has played a pivotal role in accumulating an impressive $218,500 to fulfill 47 heartwarming wishes.

What began as a humble gathering of approximately 10 cars and two Wish kids has flourished into an extraordinary event. The most recent "Wheels, Wings, and Wishes" boasted over 500 cars and successfully raised more than $40,000. These funds will enable eight Wish kids to embark on unforgettable adventures. But Mr. Benson's contributions extend beyond the dollars raised; he also creates opportunities for local Moon Township businesses to gain recognition among his thousands of attendees and provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.

Beyond his remarkable work with the Make-A-Wish foundation, Mr. Benson's dedication to the Moon Township community shines throughout the year. You'll find him donning the roles of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, spreading joy and warmth to the hearts of children in the area. Mr. Benson is not only a valuable asset to the Pittsburgh community but also a cherished figure in the lives of Moon Township's residents.

Mr. Glenn T. Marrichi, Class of 1968

Glenn T. Marrichi has an extensive history of community service, starting during his time at Moon Area High School as a dedicated Key Club member. He spent Saturdays assisting disabled children, setting the stage for his lifelong commitment to making a difference. As an adult, Mr. Marrichi's volunteer journey expanded as he lent his talents to several noteworthy causes. He played a crucial role in creating public service advertisements for Retinitis Pigmentosa International, an organization dedicated to combatting a degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. Additionally, he supported Find the Children, an organization working closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

In the 1990s, Mr. Marrichi's passion for volunteering led him to the Arthritis Foundation, where he served on the Greater Chicago Chapter board, designed advertising for the Arthritis Walk featuring iconic figures like Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears, and assumed leadership positions on a national scale, eventually becoming a National Board of Trustees Emeritus in 2016. His remarkable service with the Arthritis Foundation earned him national volunteer awards.

Mr. Marrichi's commitment didn't stop there. He actively contributed to Creating Healthier Communities as a National Board of Director and Chairman of the National Marketing Committee. This involvement benefited a wide range of organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, St. Jude's Hospital Research Foundation, Autism Speaks, Alzheimer's Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, March of Dimes, American Lung Association, NAMI, and many others.

Moving into the 2000s and beyond, Mr. Marrichi returned to his alma mater, Michigan State University, actively participating in the ComARtSci Dean's Capital Campaign and serving as a guest lecturer for undergraduate and graduate classes. His expertise covered subjects like Bio Design, Advertising and Marketing Strategy, Healthcare Communications, and U.S. Presidential Campaign Debate Strategies. Mr. Marrichi became an advisor to Michigan State University's Director of the Institute of Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ) and the University President, contributing to vital discussions on topics such as COVID, organoid-based human heart creation, and prenatal disease development, an issue deeply personal to him due to his two disabled siblings.

In response to a tragic event at Michigan State University in 2023, Mr. Marrichi played a pivotal role in reimagining the "Spartan Walk" before home football games. He joined University leaders to lead a walk from the Spartan Statue to the Rock, where a vigil honored those affected by the tragedy, fostering healing and unity within the community. Mr. Marrichi also delivered inspiring remarks on behalf of alumni from around the world, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.

2022

Specialist Matthew Cory Bowe, Class of 2005

Specialist Matthew Cory Bowe was a caring, loving, and outgoing person. He was a son, a brother, and a friend to many. He loved his family and friends with his whole heart and would do anything to make sure that they were taken care of.

SPC Bowe had many interests growing up, some of which included: sports, music, drawing, and being outdoors. He loved playing sports at a very young age and throughout the years he played baseball and football. He was very proud to be a Moon Tiger!

SPC Bowe also enjoyed being outdoors and was very proud to be a part of the Boy Scouts Troop in school. Just like everything else he had a passion for, he took Boy Scouts very seriously and was often out with his family selling candy bars from sun-up to sun-down.

In addition, SPC Bowe had passion for music. He wrote and sang all his music and even did his senior project about his music. He had hoped that one day he would be able to share his music with the world.

After graduating Moon Area High School in 2005, SPC Bowe joined the military and became a combat medic because he cared deeply for other people and wanted to help them in any way that he could. He had dreams of becoming a doctor so he could help people. SPC Bowe made the ultimate sacrifice while helping people and fighting for our country’s freedom. SPC Bowe was killed in action on February 19, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq at just 19 years old.

SPC Bowe touched the lives of many and will be forever remembered as a hero.

Mr. David Bundy, Class of 1969

Mr. David Bundy graduated from Moon Area Schools in 1969 and has been a township resident since 1963. As a sophomore, he met his high school sweetheart Nancy. They eventually married and had four children and ten grandchildren. Their four children are Moon Area alumni, and they have several grandchildren who have attended or are currently attending Moon Area School District. Many members of his large extended family call Moon High School their alma mater.

Through the years, Mr. Bundy has volunteered his services in Moon youth sports, which include basketball, football, and soccer. As an adult, Mr. Bundy operates a family business in the community. Giving back to his school and community are of enormous importance, and he treasures the ability to do so. One of his favorite pastimes is gathering with high school friends and reminiscing over their enjoyable experiences with fellow classmates and teachers while attending Moon Area High School.

Dr. Elizabeth Zona, Class of 1998

Dr. Elizabeth Zona is a Moon Township native and a 1998 graduate of Moon Area School District. She is a physician who is double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Zona is passionate about treating addiction and preventing it by raising awareness amongst our youth and the community. Over the past six years, Dr. Zona has visited Moon High School annually with the goal of educating students about the risks of drugs and alcohol on their developing brains and bodies. In addition, she offers an annual scholarship contest to the Moon Area High School senior class. The scholarship, known as the IMPACT scholarship, is in memory of Teah Robinson.

Dr. Zona is the Medical Director for Anesthesia Services at Three Rivers Endoscopy Center in Moon Township, and the Medical Director for Addiction Services at Laurel Care Treatment Center in Coraopolis. She resides in Moon with her husband and two sons. You can also find her addiction and awareness education on TikTok: @addictiontokdok.

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