Nearly 800 early educators, community leaders, and supporters came together for an evening of joy and recognition at Trying Together’s annual celebration event.
Held April 30 at Rivers Casino, Celebrating Together honored and uplifted the work of early childhood education. The event included a new pre-dinner reception to present the inaugural Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy, followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner.
Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy
Celebrating Together kicked off with a reception to present the inaugural Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy to the Shapiro-Davis Administration, in recognition of its historic investments in the early childhood workforce.
Local policymakers and community leaders delivered remarks touting the critical role early childhood educators play in supporting not just the growth and development of young children, but also the economic success of our region and state.
In her remarks, Pittsburgh First Lady Katie O’Connor urged greater support for early childhood educators, saying, “We must provide them with the advocacy, the resources, and the professional growth opportunities that they deserve.”
Stacy Juchno, corporate responsibility officer for PNC, emphasized the importance of community partnerships.
“Gatherings like this remind me of the lasting change that happens through relationships,” she said. “It happens when public, private, and nonprofit partners choose to work closely together to build trust over time and commit to long-term solutions.”
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamarato rounded out remarks by sharing an optimistic and family-forward vision for the future of the county.
Trying Together Executive Director Cara Ciminillo then presented the award, which was accepted by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis on behalf of the Shapiro-Davis administration.
Davis expressed his gratitude for the work of early childhood educators.
“I want to thank you on behalf of our entire administration […] for all the work that you do,” he said. “We are humbled and honored to carry this every single day and make progress for our most precious resource – our children.”
Celebrating Together
The 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner included a sit-down meal and numerous activities.
Before dinner began, Ciminillo welcomed early childhood educators, thanking them for the work they do.
“Let this evening be a reminder that you matter,” she said. “The care you give matters. And a society that truly values its children must first value those who care for them. Thank you for all that you do, and please enjoy your night of celebration – you deserve it!”
Ciminillo expressed appreciation for the sponsors that helped to make Celebrating Together happen before introducing Dr. Kendra Ross, head of purpose and experiences at Duolingo.
Dr. Ross recognized Trying Together as one of Duolingo’s Social Impact team’s earliest and most trusted partners, helping them reach families and providers in Pittsburgh at the very start of a child’s learning journey. Ross also thanked those gathered.
“Tonight is a celebration of the people who hold that trust every single day – you, the educators in this room,” she said. “You are not just doing a job. You are building the foundation on which everything else stands.”
Allegheny County District 3 Council Representative Lissa Geiger Shulman concluded remarks by presenting a proclamation that declared April the Month of the Young Child.
Following remarks, guests were free to spend the rest of the evening eating, dancing to music provided by BMW entertainment, and participating in the activities around the event space. Photo opportunities included photobooths of three different styles, a shimmer wall, lighted signs, and balloon arches.
Each attendee had the opportunity to assemble a vase at the flower station, while the policy team led a friendship bracelet-making activity. Guests were also given tickets for a chance to win one of 74 register-to-win baskets.
Thank you to our sponsors for your generous support!
Premier
Duolingo
ELRC Region 5
Supporting
PNC
The Grable Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
University of Pittsburgh
UPMC
AT&T
Highmark Health
Advocate
Carlow University
Early Childhood Funders Alliance
Champion
Allegheny Conference
