Alumni Award Recipients

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.