Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis hosted the second State Dinner at the Governor’s Residence, celebrating 17 Pennsylvanians — eight individuals and two groups — who have made a lasting impact on their communities.
The centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the Governor’s Keystone Awards, honoring everyday Pennsylvanians for their extraordinary contributions across art, education, science, community service, and more.
Here’s what the honorees said about receiving a Governor’s Keystone Award:
Tataboline “Ta” Enos, of Warren County, Founder and CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship: “I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive the Keystone Award. It really shines a light on the incredible people, communities, and small businesses across rural PA who are working every day to build a vibrant future rooted in our shared sense of place here in the Pennsylvania Wilds.”
Jane Golden, of Philadelphia, Founder and Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia: "I am profoundly honored and grateful to receive this award from Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro. Through Mural Arts Philadelphia, it has been my life’s work to show how art can unite people and open doors to hope, understanding, and opportunity. Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary artists, community members, and colleagues whose imagination, persistence, and heart have transformed lives — including my own. This recognition is a tribute to all we’ve built together and a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in the creative spirit of our communities."
Ty Holmes, of Scranton, Former President of the Lackawanna County Branch of the NAACP, Board Member of the NEPA Youth Shelter, and a veteran: "The fire that drives me to serve was first lit by the warmth of unimaginable kindness shown to me — as Muhammad Ali has said, ‘the service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.’ It’s an honor to have this recognized by the Governor and First Lady alongside this group who are similarly driven to serve their communities with kindness."
Jeff Miller, of Pittsburgh, a retired mental health therapist, member of the clergy who has dedicated his life to supporting youth, families, and LGBTQ+ communities, and serves on the Pennsylvania Council on Aging (PCoA): "As an older adult, I have come to understand that you're never too old to make a difference. I want to keep making a difference in ways that are helpful and meaningful for myself and others."
Lieutenant Lania Stevens, of Philadelphia, Vice President of the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the first Black female lieutenant in the Upper Darby Police Department’s history: "I feel incredibly blessed to have a career that I am truly passionate about. My greatest joy comes from helping others, and I’ve found deep fulfillment in supporting the youth of the Upper Darby community. Their growth and success make coming to work each day both meaningful and rewarding. To have this work recognized by the Governor and First Lady is an unexpected and deeply humbling honor. It reaffirms that I’m on the right path, and for that, I am profoundly grateful."
Katie Wisnosky, of Tunkhannock, a high school English teacher in Tunkhannock Area schools and a 2021 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist: “I’m humbled to be recognized by the Governor and First Lady for this tremendous honor. I get to do what I love everyday, connecting with my students and empowering them with the confidence and tools to succeed — and sometimes that is as simple as making sure that teenagers can easily access menstrual products.”
Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, of Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: “The collaborative, multidisciplinary work that originated here in the state of Pennsylvania allowed us to translate this novel approach to rare disease therapy into the clinic. We now have the incredible responsibility of expanding this work to benefit as many other patients with rare, complex and difficult-to-treat diseases as possible.”
Dr. Kiran Musunuru, of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania: "The development of this first-of-its-kind personalized gene editing therapy represents an important step forward in treating rare genetic diseases. Federal funding has been critical to our success, and we're now working with federal agencies to create a regulatory framework for approving individualized gene editing platforms to allow more patients to benefit from these transformative approaches."
DreamEscape Library, of Philadelphia: "We are so honored to have earned this recognition from Governor Shapiro. Public school libraries have declined in recent years, so we are grateful that the Governor sees the value in our work and having libraries in schools."
In addition, Loretta Claiborne, of York, Chief Inspiration Officer and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics, and Jared Quinteros, of Pittsburgh, an artist who teaches art therapy workshops to newly injured patients at UPMC Mercy and works with the Rebuild Better Together Foundation, were also honored.
What people are reading about the Governor’s Keystone Awards at the second State Dinner:
ABC 27: Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence dining room renovated, reopens after arson attack
FOX 56: Shapiro honors 17 Pennsylvanians including two from NEPA
# # #