The Neighborhood Academy held its fifth annual Faces of the Future Gala Friday, a giant graduation bash that doubles as the independent school's major benefit. More than 300 guests gathered in the St. Lawrence O'Toole Activity Center in Garfield, a space that was transformed with much imagination and hard work into party central. Artwork by the students and auction tables decorated the gym's perimeter, while an oversized rectangular bar in the center was topped with a striking arrangement of white orchids and candles, the work of Allison McGeary Events.

This year's graduates -- Portia Harmon, Doug Hollaman, Raisaunya Jones, Marcus Platt and Frederic Underwood III -- were joined by their families and recent college graduates who had attended the school. Its mission is to end the cycle of poverty by providing a solid, college-bound education. A short program showcasing the students was followed by a video and dance performance, and then it was time for the guests to hit the dance floor as Soul Village took the stage.

Party chairs Stephanie Flannery and Debbie Demchak orchestrated the evening, which raised more than $100,000. Also on board were event chairs Debbie Dick and Sandy Levis (Kit Needham was not able to attend), honorary chair Diane Holder from sponsoring UPMC Health Plan and school co-founders the Rev. Tom Johnson and Jodie Moore.