Gov Shapiro FL Host Second State Dinner Keystone Awards | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis will host the second State Dinner at the Governor's Residence in honor of 17 Pennsylvanians - eight individuals and two groups - 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 the Governor's Keystone Award, 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. Former Philadelphia 76ers television broadcaster and current Associate Director of the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media Marc Zumoff will serve as the emcee for the evening.

This dinner marks an important milestone in the ongoing restoration and reopening of the Governor's Residence to the public following the arson attack and attempted homicide in April. The State Dining Room and Reception Area have been fully restored and enhanced security measures have been implemented or are in progress.

The Governor and First Lady were determined to reopen the Residence as soon as possible - and while work continues on parts of the building, it remains a welcoming place for Pennsylvanians from across the Commonwealth. The State Dinner is part of their broader effort to reimagine the Residence, opening its doors to more people and creating a space where all Pennsylvanians feel welcome.

"As I travel across Pennsylvania, it's the stories of everyday Pennsylvanians making a difference in their communities that inspire me," said Governor Shapiro. "Lori and I are proud to welcome these extraordinary individuals into the Governor's Residence for the first formal dinner since April. 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. From art and education to science and community service, they remind us that progress happens when we come together and lift each other up."

"Josh and I are honored to recognize the incredible work these 17 Pennsylvanians are doing to make our Commonwealth a better place," said First Lady Shapiro. "Their stories remind us that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make a difference. Each of tonight's honorees shows the power of one - one person or one group seeing a need, stepping up, and creating positive change that ripples across communities."

Tonight's honorees include:

Loretta Claiborne, York - Loretta has been active in the Special Olympics movement since 1970, competing in Alpine skiing, basketball, bocce, bowling, figure skating, floor hockey, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. She will soon represent the Special Olympics USA in tennis. Loretta serves as the Chief Inspiration Officer and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics, which she credits with teaching her self-respect, empathy, and the importance of giving back to her community.

Tataboline Enos, Erie - Tataboline "Ta" Enos is a writer, mother, and founder and CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. A former journalist, she has led a nationally recognized effort to grow the outdoor recreation economy and revitalize rural communities across the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region. Under her leadership, the PA Wilds Center has become a model for asset-based rural development, empowering small businesses and communities throughout the region.

Jane Golden, Philadelphia - Jane is the founder and Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. Under her leadership, Mural Arts has created more than 3,800 public works through partnerships with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, city agencies, and local artists. Her innovative programs in youth art education, restorative justice, and behavioral health have brought art and opportunity to thousands of Philadelphians.

Ty Holmes, Scranton - Ty is the former president of the Lackawanna County Branch of the NAACP and a board member of the NEPA Youth Shelter. He has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania, A Veteran's Vision, and many others. Ty made history as the first Black member of the Scranton School Board and the first man of color elected to public office in Scranton's history. A veteran of both the Navy and the Army, he has dedicated his life to service and community leadership.

Jeff Miller, Pittsburgh - Jeff is a retired mental health therapist and member of the clergy who has dedicated his life to supporting youth, families, and LGBTQ+ communities. A lifelong Western Pennsylvanian, Jeff's advocacy since retirement has focused on improving care and connection for LGBTQ+ older adults, and his commitment to inclusive community engagement continues to inspire others.

Jared Quinteros, Pittsburgh - Jared is an artist who turned personal tragedy into purpose, using creativity to support others recovering from spinal cord injuries. He teaches art therapy workshops to newly injured patients at UPMC Mercy and works with the Rebuild Better Together Foundation. In memory of his late wife, he created the KARA Program, which helps individuals returning home after spinal cord injuries make essential accessibility improvements and rebuild their lives.

Lieutenant Lania Stevens, Philadelphia - Lt. Stevens is the Vice President of the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the first Black female lieutenant in the Upper Darby Police Department's history. She previously made history as the department's first Black female sergeant and its first African American woman officer. Lt. Stevens also mentors local fifth graders through the department's youth program, inspiring the next generation of public servants.

Katie Wisnosky, Tunkhannock - Katie is a community leader and longtime high school English teacher who helped her students launch Code Red, a student-led program providing free menstrual products in Tunkhannock Area schools. She has sustained the program for seven years, leading community drives and paving the way for statewide progress on menstrual equity. Katie also founded the spoken-word poetry group Breaking Ground Poets, empowering youth voices through open mics and poetry slams. A 2021 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist, she continues to lead by example in and out of the classroom.

Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas & Dr. Kiran Musunuru, Philadelphia - Dr. Ahrens-Nicklas of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Dr. Musunuru of the University of Pennsylvania co-developed the first-ever personalized gene editing therapy for a child with severe carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency. Their groundbreaking work, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, represents a major advancement in individualized medicine and offers new hope for children and families facing rare genetic diseases.

DreamEscape Library, Philadelphia - Students and teachers from Kensington Health Sciences Academy created the DreamEscape Library, a student-run lending library and mobile book cart designed to inspire a love of reading in their school community. Beginning with a $1,000 grant, the group built a collection of high-interest books and grew their project into a permanent school library and after-school program. After winning the Young Entrepreneurs Award at the Philly Service Impact Awards, the team reinvested their $20,000 prize to expand programming, add a teacher tool library, and create a welcoming space where students can learn, dream, and escape through books.

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