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Imani Christian Academy board president David Berardinelli, left, founder Bishop Donald Clay Jr. and head of school Paulo Nzambi at the Carnegie Science Center for the 30th anniversary celebration Wednesday.
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SEEN: Imani Christian Academy's 30th anniversary

Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette

SEEN: Imani Christian Academy's 30th anniversary

The Carnegie Science Center’s PointView Hall was the venue for Imani Christian Academy’s 30th anniversary celebration Wednesday night.

The theme, A Night in the Tropics, was emphasized by an arch of tropical flora at the entrance. Guests were also greeted with Hawaiian lei necklaces and the sounds of the Steel City Calypso Band. The final touch was the signature drink, a dark rum, mango and cherry concoction called Imani-Tai.

Head of school Paulo Nzambi welcomed everyone to the dinner and the program, which began with a performance by the Imani Guilds Drumming and Gospel Choir.

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“Tonight Imani Christian  Academy marks an historic milestone — 30 years of existence,” he said. “Through the blessings of God and the hard work of an extraordinary number of people, we have been able to provide educational services in the East Hills of Pittsburgh.”

Nzambi thanked teachers, staff, administration and board members for their support.

Imani Christian Academy was started by Bishop Donald Clay Jr. in his home. As gang violence was growing, Clay realized that education was the solution.

“I feel great seeing how it has evolved and grown, but the thing that is obvious is that it is still needed,” said the bishop.  

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“I didn’t have any money but had a passion and a belief and a house,” he said with a laugh. “The elementary school was in the living room, the middle school was in the dining room and the high school was in the kitchen.”

Clay was honored during the Moments of Gratitude, as were the late Fred and Fran Fetterolf and New Community Church in Wexford.

Regan Fetterolf sent a video message acknowledging the recognition for her parents. Representing New Community Church, which has been a mission partner with Imani for over 20 years, was Pastor Mark Bolton.

“This event is about the children that Imani serves, “ said board chair David Berardinelli (with Alicia). 

Celebrating were Laura Ellsworth, Melanie and Jim Crockard, Kenneth Nealy, Gerald Savage, Dmitriy Budilov, Tynneal Grant, Bob Boback, Holly and Craig Bouslough, Jenise Brown, Matt Blackburn, Laurie Giarrantani, Jacob Nicholas, Ellen Sanin, Jackie Dixon, Edith Smith and Ellyn and Steve Snyder.

First Published: May 22, 2023, 2:08 p.m.

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Imani Christian Academy board president David Berardinelli, left, founder Bishop Donald Clay Jr. and head of school Paulo Nzambi at the Carnegie Science Center for the 30th anniversary celebration Wednesday.  (Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette)
Jackie Dixon, left, and Edith Smith at the Carnegie Science Center for the 30th anniversary celebration of Imani Christian Academy.  (Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette)
Steve and Ellyn Snyder at the 30th anniversary celebration of Imani Christian Academy at the Carnegie Science Center on Wednesday.  (Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette)
Gerald Savage and Tynneal Grant at the 30th anniversary celebration of Imani Christian Academy at the Carnegie Science Center on Wednesday.  (Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette)
Jim and Melanie Crockard at the 30th anniversary celebration of Imani Christian Academy at the Carnegie Science Center.  (Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette)
Cameron Clay and his father, Bishop Donald Clay Jr., at the 30th anniversary celebration of Imani Christian Academy on Wednesday.  (Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette)
Patricia Sheridan/Post-Gazette
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