THE S.H.Y.N.E. AWARDS FOUNDATION presented its 12th annual “S.H.Y.N.E.” Awards on Aug. 8 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, celebrating positive achievements of young adults in the Pittsburgh region. Pictured are one of the honorees, a group entitled “Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens,” based in Pittsburgh.
THE S.H.Y.N.E. Awards, held in August at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty.
The Shyne Awards Foundation, a non-profit organization that recognizes the positive achievements of teens, hosted their signature event, “The Shyne Awards,” a premier national awards ceremony that celebrates the positive achievements of young adults between the ages of 13-19 on Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty.
Young adults, ages 13 through 19, were recognized for their achievements in: the arts, academics, community service, entrepreneurship, service in ministry, science, overcoming obstacles, leadership, STEM or youth group participation. The annual awards ceremony included guest appearances by local celebrities, entertainment acts and more.
ZION JOELLE ROSS, A 2021 HONOREE FROM PITTSBURGH
“For more than a decade we have worked to change the narrative of teens in our region by shining a light on their accomplishments,” said Orlana Darkins Drewery, Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Shyne Awards Foundation. “This year, our light has extended outside the borders of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as we will recognize and celebrate young people from Ohio, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, in addition to our local Honorees.”
DALEN HILL, A 2021 HONOREE FROM COLUMBUS, OH
Since its founding in 2007, The Shyne Awards has received more than 600 nominations from individuals in the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas recognizing the positive actions of emerging young leaders. Nominations can be submitted by parents, coaches, educators, mentors, clergy, or peers. Nominations will reopen September 2021.
BISTRO-TO-GO, PITTSBURGH, ILLUMINATION AWARD (BUSINESS AWARD)
Over the years, The Shyne Awards team and community partners have worked diligently to meet its mission of uplifting young adults, with remarkable results for hundreds of teens and their families.
“The strength of our organization is grounded in our ability to empower young adults to improve their lives and make positive differences in their communities. Together, we can give teens a platform that builds their confidence and encourages them to passionately pursue new opportunities for future success,” said Darkins Drewery.
H.O.P.E. FOR TOMORROW, A PITTSBURGH-BASED YOUTH GROUP
Most recently, the foundation has advanced its service through engaging teenagers in year-round programming. “We are proud that The Shyne Awards Foundation has made a positive difference for our young people, and we are committed to expanding our work to impact even more of tomorrow’s future leaders,” said Darnell Drewery, Co-Founder, The Shyne Awards Foundation.
2021 Shyne Awards Honorees:
- Zion Joelle Ross, Pittsburgh,
- Dalen Hill, Columbus, Ohio
- Leah Morgan Ross, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
- Reed Rankin, Pittsburgh
- Faith Olivia-Lynn Crawford, Pittsburgh,
- Esha Venkat, Ashburn, Pennsylvania
- H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow, Pittsburgh
- Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens, Pittsburgh
- Taylor Simone Dotson, Pittsburgh
Taylor Simone Dotson, left, a 2021 honoree, with 2019 honoree Genesis Gore.
Esha Venkat, from Ashburn, Va., a 2021 honoree.
Reed Rankin, a 2021 honoree in community service, with 2019 honoree Marjani Howze Jetter
2021 Lifetime Achievement & Business Awards Honorees:
- Dr. Audrey Murrell, Gwendolyn J. Elliott Lifetime Achievement Award
- Nikki & Stanley Heckman, Bistro-To-Go
Dr. Audrey Murrell, a Pittsburgh resident, with the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Christine Crawford accepted the award for Faith Crawford, an entrepreneur in Pittsburgh.
About The Shyne Awards Foundation
Founded in 2007, The Shyne Awards Foundation is a non-profit organization that creates public platforms to celebrate the achievements of youth between the ages of 13-19. The student
empowerment organization recognizes young adults who excel in academics, visual and performing arts, science, community service, young adult groups, service in ministry,entrepreneurship, and overcoming adversity.
The foundation is dedicated to uplifting young adults and providing a positive, empowering platform to help teens build confidence.
About Post Author
