Form Center

2. About the Shining Star Awards:

   The McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center is proud to continue the Shining Star Awards in 2026, honoring volunteers who have made significant impact in our community.  Past Shining Star Award winners have included volunteers who have strengthened our community through service, philanthropists who support community improvement, and changemakers who have spent countless hours in service to others. 

   For a full list of past awardees, visit https://www.townofmccandless.org/457/Shining-Star-Gala.

   The 2026 Shining Star Gala Award dinner will be held at the Camelot Event Center in Wexford on Friday, November 6th.  Funds raised at the Shining Star Gala benefit the operations and programming at the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center. The HCC’s Financial Development and Promotional Committee (FDPC) will select 8-10 award recipients for the 2026 Shining Star Awards with an awards dinner to be held in the fall.  There is never a shortage of outstanding people eligible for this award, so all nominations will be considered and will be kept for future consideration. The FDPC will review all Shining Star Award nominations and make selections by March 31, 2026.  All nominations will receive an email confirmation of receipt. 

   Nomination Deadline:

    Must be submitted by February 28, 2026.  Paper copies of the nomination form available at the HCC and Town Hall upon request. 

   Eligibility:

   1. Shining Star Award honors individual achievement; however, individuals who perform community service as part of a group are eligible. 
   2. Awards recognize voluntary, not paid, community service. 
   3. Eligible nominees must have made volunteer contributions to McCandless and/or the North Hills of Pittsburgh communities, but volunteer work may not be confined to that area.  
   4. Though applications are judged solely on submitted information, the FDPC reserves the right to contact nominators or references to clarity or verify information.

   Selection Criteria:

   The McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center’s FDPC is a committee of seven McCandless residents appointed by Town Council to develop programs, events and activities to raise funds to support and promote the Center.  The FDPC will score each nomination objectively,

   Nominations are reviewed and judged by the FDPC, using these criteria:

   1. Achievement — Nominee demonstrates that their service to the community has lead to real, positive changes. 
   2. Need — Nominee’s volunteerism addresses a need in the community.
   3. Action — Involvement was active and went above and beyond, setting them apart.

   Nomination Criteria:

   1. Individuals, parents, or groups may nominate one or more candidates. Individuals may also nominate themselves.
   2. Nominations must be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.
   3. Supplementary information included with the nomination form can include letters of commendation, newspaper clippings, non-copyrighted photos, etc. Video or audiotapes cannot be considered.
   4. Judges may request additional information from nominees, nominators or references.

4. Nominator (your info)

6. Name*
7. Email Address*
9. Address*
11. Phone Number*

13. Shining Star Award Nominee:

15. Name*
16. Email Address*
18. Address*
20. Phone Number*
22. Organization and title, if appropriate

24. Provide the following about your nominee

26. • How is our community better because of your nominee’s efforts?*
28. Share some specifics that highlight their impact, such as: Who or what they’ve helped OR A compelling story that illustrates their dedication or how they’ve gone above and beyond*
30. • Please list any organizations in which your nominee has been involved*
32. • Any additional comments or information that may be considered when reviewing this application?*

34. Thank you for your nomination!

Leave This Blank:


36. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
37. Email address

    This field is not part of the form submission.

38. Submit

* indicates a required field