At the State Dinner, Governor and First Lady Shapiro will present honorees with the Governor’s Keystone Award in recognition of significant contributions to their communities that have helped improve the lives of others.

Harrisburg, PA – On Oct 21st, Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, and Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis will host a State Dinner at the Governor’s Residence in honor of nine Pennsylvanians who have made a difference in their communities. The State Dinner will tell the stories of nine Pennsylvanians who do meaningful work to improve the lives of others across the Commonwealth. 

The centerpiece of the evening’s program will be the presentation of the Governor’s Keystone Award, which each honoree will receive in recognition of the significant contributions they’ve made to their communities, donating their time, knowledge, and talents to help improve the lives of others. 

Members of the Shapiro Administration’s cabinet will also attend the State Dinner, which will feature a string quartet from the NEPA Philharmonic.

“Josh and I are honored to welcome these inspiring Pennsylvanians and their families into our home so we can recognize the work they are doing to make our Commonwealth a better place,” said First Lady Lori Shapiro. “Their incredible stories show that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make a difference in the lives of the people around you. All nine Pennsylvanians being honored tonight are examples of the power of one – one person serving their community, addressing the needs they see, lending a helping hand, can have a compounding nature and a large impact over time.” 

“As I travel all across our Commonwealth, it’s the stories of Pennsylvanians who are making a difference in their communities that inspires me and keeps me going,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The First Lady and I are honored to recognize nine exemplary Pennsylvanians who are improving their communities, whether that means advocating for those too often forgotten and left behind, mentoring our children to ensure they have the tools to succeed, or supporting those who have served in uniform. We congratulate and thank them for their contributions to our Commonwealth, dedication to their communities, and commitment to service.”

The State Dinner is part of Governor and First Lady Shapiro’s efforts to reimagine the use of Governor’s Residence, opening the Residence up to more Pennsylvanians and organizing programs that inspire others to give back to their communities. 

Tonight’s honorees include: 

Kenny Holdsman from Philadelphia: Kenny was a lawyer, but was inspired to leave his profession by his mother’s experience in the Philadelphia School District. He co-founded Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) in 2015 after several years of working in youth development. PYB uses basketball to create a safe and empowering environment for youth by creating opportunities for under-resourced communities. Youth can develop the skills needed to become leaders on and off the court. 

Glynis Johns from Scranton: Glynis is local historian, sociologist, artist, and advocate from Scranton. While pursuing her master’s degree, she discovered that decades of Black history in Scranton was not being taught. This led her to start the Black Scranton Project – a non-profit and local heritage initiative to inform people about the history they haven’t heard. The Black Scranton Project researches and archives local Black history and shares that information with the public to foster awareness and representation. 

Thomas Lenox from Erie: Tommy is the coordinator of the Erie Police Athletic League (PAL). The program had been on hiatus for 40 years, but Tommy restarted it based on his own experience growing up in inner city Johnstown. PAL improves relationships between Erie police and students through coaching, mentorship, and teaching. Over 600 students participate in the after-school program or the weeklong summer camp. Tommy was awarded ‘Officer of the Year’ by the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association for his work with PAL. 

Aimee Morris from Felton: Aimee is US Marine Corps veteran and a psych-mental health and addiction certified nurse. Many of her patients were former veterans that lacked the health care they needed. She founded Glenn Hope Care Farm on her family’s farm in York County to help veterans heal and return to civilian life. Veterans practice ‘care farming’ at Glenn Hope where they learn agricultural skills for therapeutic and healing purposes. Glen Hope also donates some of the farm’s production to veteran’s groups. 

Amanda Parezo from Philadelphia: Amanda is a professor and doctor of occupational therapy, as well as an advocate for ending gun violence. In 2021, she was struck with a stray bullet while playing kickball with friends, causing paralysis from the waist down. Amanda now uses a wheelchair, which has changed her perspective on accessibility. Through her work and activism, she spreads awareness about inaccessibility in Philadelphia. She is also a motivational speaker who shares her story to advocate for ending gun violence. 

Tristan Rankin from Glen Rock: Tristan founded Coats of Friendship when he was six years old after watching a video of a boy wandering outside in below freezing temperatures without a coat. Now as a high school student, he has expanded its operations and recruited his younger brother, Emerson. Coats of Friendship collects and distributes thousands of gently used coats across York County to keep residents warm during the winter. 

Lisa Scales from Pittsburgh: Lisa is the President and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank was founded in 1980 after the steel industry went into decline. On Oct 21st, the Food Bank’s operations have expanded to serve 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Under Lisa’s leadership, the Food Bank has distributed nearly 45 million meals through a network of over 1000 partners. 

Sister Mary Scullion from Philadelphia: Sister Mary has been a dedicated advocate for the unhoused and individuals with mental illnesses since 1978. In 1989, she founded Project HOME in Philadelphia to break the cycles of poverty and houselessness. Project HOME targets the root causes of poverty through initiatives on supportive housing, employment, medical care, and education. Due to Project HOME’s success, Time Magazine named Sister Mary as one of the “World’s Most Influential People of 2009.” Sister Mary recently announced her retirement from Project HOME after 35 years of service and leadership. 

Jamie Upshaw from Pittsburgh: Jamie founded Autism Urban Connections after her son was diagnosed. She noticed the lack of resources for Black families navigating an autism diagnosis, so she founded her own non-profit. Autism Urban Connections provides resources, education, support, advocacy, and self-care services to families. By providing resources and support, Autism Urban Connections works to end underdiagnoses and misdiagnoses for children of color.