Positive Athlete

Congratulations Inaugural Class!

To view the video from this years event, CLICK HERE

2012-2012 Western Pennsylvania "Positive Athletes"

                                                 Photo Courtesy of Emmanual Panagiotakis

Voting for this years awards have ended, nominations have been reviewed, and winners have been notified and recognized!  The voting academy had a difficult job as each of the 170 nominees are truly deserving, and are, without a doubt, positive athletes, role models and mentors in their schools and communities.  Each and every one of the nominees is to be commended on their accomplishments.  *This years inductees are listed to the right.

In honor of this event, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl proclaimed Saturday, April 21, 2012 as "Positive Athlete Day" in Pittsburgh.  To see the full proclamation, click here.

The Heinz History Center hosted this years inaugural Western Pennsylvania Positive High School Athlete Awards on Saturday, April 21st.  Student Athletes representing 26 different boys and girls high school sports were honored by Positive Athlete spokesperson, and former Pittsburgh Steeler star wide receiver Hines Ward, as well as Jeff Kartsens from the Pittsburgh Pirates..

Over 170 nominations from coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers and parents were submitted, representing 75 different Western Pennsylvania high schools from as far away as Erie, PA.  In addition to excellence on the field, each nominated Positive Athlete was required to show characteristics such as an optimistic attitude, teammate encouragement, servant leadership, heart for others, ability to admit imperfections, giving 100 percent all the time, and realizing the team as more important than the individual.

“Being a Positive Athlete symbolizes something,” said Ward. “I wasn’t even the most talented guy on my football team – there were a lot of guys who had more talent. But I think what separated us was their negative attitude. I think that’s what the Positive Athlete Voting Academy saw in these 26 high school athletes as well”.

The event was emceed by KDKA sports anchor Bob Pompeani, with assistance from MSA Sports broadcaster’s  Lanny Frattare and Don Rebel. In addition to an award certificate signed by Mr. Ward, award winners received an autographed Positive Athlete Dedication t-shirt and  they will be guests of the Pittsburgh Pirates during a home game on May 9th where they will be brought onto the field to watch batting practice and meet players.