Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis will host the third annual State Dinner at the Governor’s Residence in honor of 17 Pennsylvanians – four pairs and nine individuals – who have made a lasting difference in their communities. The State Dinner will share the stories of these honorees, who have dedicated their time, knowledge, and talents to serving others across the Commonwealth.
The centerpiece of the evening’s program will be the presentation of 13 Governor’s Keystone Awards, which recognizes everyday Pennsylvanians for the significant contributions they’ve made to their communities – donating their time, knowledge, and talents to help improve the lives of others.
“From art and education to science and community service, the stories of everyday Pennsylvanians who make a difference in their communities remind us progress happens when we come together and lift each other up,” said Governor Shapiro. “Each of tonight’s honorees exemplifies what makes our Commonwealth special – people who give back, lead with purpose, and use their talents to improve the lives of others. We’re proud to welcome these incredible Pennsylvanians to the Governor’s residence and recognize their stories tonight at the 2026 State Dinner.”
“Each of these 17 Pennsylvanians’ stories remind us that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make a difference,” said First Lady Shapiro. “Josh and I are honored to recognize the incredible power of one – one person or one group – seeing a need, stepping up, and creating positive change that ripples across communities to make our Commonwealth a better place.”
Tonight’s honorees include:
Lily Sassani, Allegheny County – Sassani created the Holocaust Education Girl Scout Patch and developed a corresponding curriculum that helps Girl Scouts learn about and remember the Holocaust, connect with survivors, and take action to educate their local communities. Within the first month of launching the program, over 350 troop leaders from around the world have taken steps to earn the patch for their troops. By empowering the voices of women and children who protected humanity during the Holocaust, Sassani is inspiring the next generation to never forget and create solidarity for the greater good.
Mae Krier, Bucks County and Dorothy Trate, Berks County – As two of Pennsylvania’s very own original “Rosie the Riveters,” Krier and Trate represented the more than six million American women who stepped into manufacturing plants, shipyards, and defense industries to sustain the U.S. during World War II.
At just 17 years old, Krier began working on the B-17 and B-29 bombers for Boeing. With her “We Can Do It” spirit, Krier helped establish National Rosie the Riveter Day. She was the driving force behind securing the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the millions of women who got to work during World War II.
Like Krier, Trate also signed up to serve her community and help the United States defeat fascism. In 1944, as World War II continued, she operated a punch press, helping make the small parts that would eventually be used to build larger machines.
Captain Zach Kirsch, Schuylkill County – With nearly 20 years in emergency services and public safety, and as a father to a 4 year old with autism, Kirsch has made it his mission to educate first responders across the Commonwealth on how to interact with neurodiverse individuals in emergency situations. His free training ensures that our first responders can do their job better and help every Pennsylvanian – especially for those in the ID/A community, so they can feel safe if they find themselves in a tense moment.
Dr. Lydia Smeltz, Allegheny County – When Smeltz began medical school at Penn State College of Medicine, she was shocked to learn that training to care for people with disabilities wasn’t required at any medical school. Working with her mentor, Dr. Ami DeWaters, Smeltz developed a curriculum to change that – allowing students to learn appropriate language when interacting with and conducting physical exams for patients with disabilities. She is now a second-year Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident physician at the UPMC and the program she developed is now mandatory for medical and physician assistant programs at Penn State – and has already significantly advanced care for people with disabilities.
Trent Davis, York County – Davis is the Founder and CEO of Servants Inc., a faith-driven nonprofit that provides critical home repairs, ramps, and accessibility modifications to low-income homeowners, seniors, and Pennsylvanians with disabilities. For the last 26 years, his efforts have repaired more than 2,000 homes across Pennsylvania. The work that Davis leads allows these older adults to live safely, independently, and with dignity, showcasing his passion for helping older adults in every aspect of his work.
Best of the Batch Foundation, Allegheny County – Charlie Batch, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his wife Latasha Wilson-Batch, a therapist, educator, and award-winning executive, lead the Best of the Batch Foundation – providing educational, athletic, and leadership programs to children and families in underserved communities across Southwestern PA. Together, they connect kids with out-of-school meals, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics education, emergency response programming, and scholarship opportunities, so every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Child Hunger Outreach Partners, Bradford County – When Dani Ruhf heard from her daughter that some students at school didn’t have lunch money and couldn’t eat – she quit her job to found Child Hunger Outreach Partners, also known as CHOP Out Hunger. As a leading nonprofit dedicated to tackling food insecurity across Pennsylvania, CHOP Out Hunger provides consistent, reliable access to nutritious meals for children and families in need. The program serves over 50,000 children weekly across Northeast Pennsylvania. CHOP Out Hunger is a vital community resource, driven by a passionate commitment to ending child hunger.
Tony and Cheryl Aubrey, Allegheny County – Tony, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, and Cheryl, a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, have dedicated their post-service lives to preventing veteran suicide – cofounding their grassroots organization, Operation Vet NOW. Together, they have created a powerful, innovative model that makes it easier for veterans to get resources they need – fostering trust, reducing isolation, and reminding veterans across Pennsylvania that they are never alone.
Shayna Canty, Monroe County – An inspiring young community leader, Canty founded a food recovery nonprofit called Community Food (Soul)utions and has dedicated herself to bridging gaps, building connections, advocating for African American students, and uplifting young voices across Monroe County. She has also spent nearly five years with Meals on Wheels, volunteers with Youth Infusion, and served as Youth Commissioner with PennServe.
Beyond the Bars, Philadelphia County – Matt Kerr and Chris Thornton lead “Beyond the Bars,” a student-driven, community-based music and resource nonprofit dedicated to interrupting cycles of violence and divestment – helping students recognize their talent and potential. What began 11 years ago as a single program for youth who were incarcerated has grown to a citywide ecosystem of over 60 music labs in locations ranging from youth shelters, trauma clinics and diversion to rec centers, community hubs and schools.
September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, Allegheny County – As President of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, Jeff McCauley played a crucial role in making sure future generations of Americans know what happened on that day – and that those lost are always remembered. This 1,500-mile trail system links the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville.
Liz and Pearse Kerr, Montgomery County – Following the tragic death of their 15-year-old son, Patrick, Liz and Pearse worked with the Abington Parks and Rec Department and then-State Representative Josh Shapiro to found the Patrick Kerr Memorial Skate Park of Roslyn – a project Patrick first started before his death – to honor their son’s legacy and create a safe space for skateboarders in the community. The Kerrs continue to honor Patrick through a scholarship in his memory at Roman Catholic High School, which has awarded over 100 scholarships to students, helping young people pursue their education and opportunities for a brighter future.