North Hills' Len Lavelle honored at Barry Manilow concert, receives $15,000 in support of music programs
![Barry Manilow and Len Lavelle]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752323469/nhsdnet/s1lzzvwltrb3fc2njab9/barrymanilowlenlavelle.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752323469/nhsdnet/s1lzzvwltrb3fc2njab9/barrymanilowlenlavelle.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752323469/nhsdnet/s1lzzvwltrb3fc2njab9/barrymanilowlenlavelle.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752323469/nhsdnet/s1lzzvwltrb3fc2njab9/barrymanilowlenlavelle.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752323469/nhsdnet/s1lzzvwltrb3fc2njab9/barrymanilowlenlavelle.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752323469/nhsdnet/s1lzzvwltrb3fc2njab9/barrymanilowlenlavelle.jpg","width":2200}])
Heather Pelat
North Hills High School Band Director Len Lavelle received a once-in-a-lifetime honor on May 23, when he was recognized live on stage during Barry Manilow’s concert at PPG Paints Arena as the winner of the Manilow Music Project Teacher Award for the Pittsburgh region.
Lavelle earned the award after a month-long national contest that called on the public to vote daily for their favorite music educator. Thanks to overwhelming community support and thousands of votes, Lavelle not only won the contest—he received more votes than any teacher in the award’s history.
As a result, Lavelle was awarded $10,000 from the Manilow Music Project to benefit the North Hills music department. In a surprise announcement during the concert, PPG Paints Arena contributed an additional $5,000, bringing the total award to $15,000 in support of North Hills’ music programs.
"I was absolutely blown away,” Lavelle said. “To be recognized in front of thousands of people and to receive such a generous additional donation—it was incredibly humbling. I’m so grateful to our amazing community for their support and to the Manilow Music Project and PPG Paints Arena for making this possible.”
The funds will be used to purchase new instruments and help offset the cost of North Hills’ annual band camp at Camp Kon-o-Kwee, which provides students with valuable rehearsal time and team-building opportunities before the school year begins.
“Mr. Lavelle is an extraordinary educator, and this recognition is so well-deserved,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Mannarino. “He has made a lasting impact on generations of students, and we’re thrilled to see his dedication honored on such a big stage."
Created by Barry Manilow, the Manilow Music Project aims to shine a spotlight on music educators and provide critical support for school music programs across the country. Each tour stop includes a regional contest to recognize one outstanding teacher in that city. Lavelle was one of more than a dozen teachers recognized nationwide this year.
North Hills School District extends its heartfelt thanks to the community members, students, families, and alumni who voted daily to help secure this win—and to Mr. Lavelle for inspiring so many through his work.