The announcement was made during the United Way's annual Campaign Celebration and Volunteer Recognition luncheon Wednesday at the Holiday Inn, Meadow Lands.
United Way's new "Live United" theme also was introduced at the event.
Awards for outstanding community service were presented in three categories:
n M. Kathleen Ramsey Student Volunteer of the Year award, named in honor of the co-founder of Accutrex Products, awarded with a $1,000 scholarship to Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, a senior at Peters Township High School;
n Alvin C. Janovich Community Leadership Award, given in memory of the other Accutrex co-founder, presented to the Observer Publishing Co. in recognition of its support of local nonprofit agencies and causes;
n Clyde J. Tracanna Community Volunteer Award recipient, Dr. Howard F. Jack, volunteer and humanitarian.
In addition to the volunteer awards, recognition was given to local businesses that participated in the United Way's 2007-08 campaign. The Chairman's Awards recognized the top five companies for their outstanding corporate and employee support and contributions. First place was awarded to Columbia Gas of PA, followed by the Observer Publishing Co., Washington Federal Savings Bank, Washington Hospital and Precision Marshall Steel.
The President's Awards went to Range Resources, UPS Freight and Cleveland-Cliffs as the best new United Way campaigns. The Campaign Excellence Award for best practices was presented to VITAC.
Companies with at least a 10 percent increase in their campaign were recognized with the "Above and Beyond" award. Recipients were: Dynamet Inc., RG Johnson, National City Bank, Continental Design & Management Group, Fairmont Supply Co., Washington & Jefferson College, PA American Water, State Farm Insurance, Reliant Energy, Washington Tool & Machine, Washington City Mission, Wesbanco, Columbia Gas of PA and Chapman Corp.