Penn Hills School District officials hosted a family-fun event showcasing community building Sunday afternoon.

The high school gymnasium stands, filled with community members, were buzzing with noise to watch high school students from the basketball and volleyball teams be put to the test as they played against first responders and alumni in competitive matches.

Participants ranged from the Penn Hills Fire and EMS to police and Allegheny County juvenile probation officers.

Athletic Director Stephanie Strauss worked with PHSD Superintendent Nancy Hines to orchestrate the event. Strauss said the unique matchups were an opportunity for the community to bond with those serving and protecting their area.

“We wanted to do a midsummer event that brought together everyone and civil servants in the area to build community,” she said.

High school principal Eric Kostic had fun officiating the volleyball game.

“It was great to see so many people and alumni come out here. This turned out really well,” Kostic said.

Allegheny County probation officers enjoyed the opportunity to show another side of themselves outside of their job.

“It was amazing and super dope to be able to mingle with the community,” said Jon Bradford, an Allegheny County probation officer who played in the volleyball game.

Fellow probation officer Monique Jones joked about being able to at least hit the volleyball over the net after not playing the sport since high school.

“This gives the community a chance to see police officers in another light and realize they’re people too,” she said.

There was plenty to do at the event for Penn Hills residents who could choose to attend the games, watch the marching band and cheerleading team perform or talk to the various vendors and booths present in the school. UPMC representatives offered T-shirts and cooling towels to the first 100 attendees.

Meta Johnson of Wilkinsburg arrived for the volleyball game to support her granddaughter, who was on the cheerleading squad.

“I am very impressed with the amount of people that came out to the event,” she said.

Lauren Javens of Rosedale saw the event advertised on Facebook and wanted to support the community. She was rooting for the students to win.

“I think it came out very organized and a lot of fun is happening,” Javens said.

Booster groups from the cheerleading team, boys basketball team and band, sold food to help raise funds. Alumni also had the opportunity to purchase their jerseys for $5 from the rummage sale offering old and retired school sports jerseys.

Representatives from different organizations — Neighborhood Resilience Project, A Second Chance and the Juvenile Justice System Enhancement — were on site to offer community support resources.

“We wanted to show that we aren’t just here for when things go wrong. We are here for the kids and like to see what they have going on,” said Shamekka Drewery, supervisor of the JJSE.

There were a few notable appearances at the event. Penn Hills Fire Marshal Chuck Miller; David Brock of A Second Chance; and Kim Booth, Assistant Chief Probation Officer Allegheny County Juvenile Court, were a few notable figures.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Dwayne Woodruff, a former Steelers cornerback, was the celebrity referee for the basketball game. No matter who came out victorious in the games, Woodruff said the true winner was clear.

“The community of Penn Hills is the big winner today,” he said.

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