The 36th annual Steelers Run Walk was held on Pittsburgh's North Shore today, an opportunity for runners and walkers to not just be active, but also help a good cause.
Runners and walkers participated in person, and 'virtually' as well from their home cities, in addition to a Kids Fun Run, with Steelers legends Rocky Bleier and Larry Brown serving as the honorary co-chairs and Chris Hoke as the emcee.
While there was plenty of excitement and energy from the participants, there was another side to it as well.
It's an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, as the race benefits the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research and the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund.
The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research was launched by the Steelers in 2016 to support continued research and education regarding brain injuries and treatment of sports-related concussions in honor of Noll, the late Hall of Fame coach. The Foundation funds research that it believes is the most promising in the area of sports-related concussions and related conditions. To help best evaluate which research programs to fund, some of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the country serve on a national medical advisory panel.
The Art Rooney Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the late founder of the Steelers, Art Rooney Sr., who died in August of 1988 after living most of his life on the North Side. The scholarship annually provides a grant to a North Catholic High School student and funds the Pittsburgh Promise scholarships for two students graduating from Pittsburgh high schools who are residents of the North Side. Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded grants to more than 90 local students.
The recipients of the 2024 Art Rooney Scholarship are Carly Duncan, Megan Mashuda and Taymir Smalls. The three were guests of the team at training camp this year, where Steelers President Art Rooney II and his sister, Patricia Rooney-Gerrero, presented the scholarships to the students.
"It's great to see these students and be able to congratulate them on winning the scholarship and wish them good luck in their careers," said Rooney. "We have been able to meet so many students over the years and it's great to be able to see young people moving on with their lives and doing well.
"And it doesn't matter if they are athletes or not, that's not part of the qualification for the scholarship. Every year it's hard to select the students because we're always presented with a great group. It's nice to see that so many young people are doing well out there."
Duncan, who went to Perry Traditional Academy, is a member of the ROTC and will be attending Point Park University and majoring in either history or anatomy. She is originally from the Caribbean.
"This means a lot for me because I came a long way from the Caribbean," said Duncan. "I really didn't have anything with me to start with. So, this is a big opportunity for me and a great experience.
"I am the last daughter in the family to be able to get a scholarship and things like that.
"This is different. This helps a lot because it doesn't put as much strain or stress on us."
Mashuda, who went to North Catholic, will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.
"This is very special to me," said Mashuda. "It means a lot. I know the Steelers are a very generous organization. I know they are very good people. I am grateful they thought of our school for this. I am grateful they thought of me. I am so thankful."
Mashuda admits she doesn't know a lot about football, but that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy watching the Steelers play and has plenty of respect for them.
"I love the sport, but I don't know everything about it," said Mashuda. "It's unexpected to get a scholarship from a football team.
"This really helps a lot as I have two brothers, my older brother is also at Pitt. My other brother is going to be a junior in high school. As we get older, it's going to be tough to pay for it all. This really helps a lot."
Smalls, who went to Perry Traditional Academy, will be attending Indiana University of Pa. and majoring in entrepreneurship.
"This is a dream come true," said Smalls. "To be able to receive a scholarship from my hometown team, the team I love, it's a dream come true."
Smalls said he has been a Steelers fan as long as he can remember and receiving the scholarship is a true honor.
"To even be in the same place as the players and the organization is a dream come true," said Smalls. "This is the only team I have liked, the only team I have known.
"And to get this from them, this helps me pay for school, further my education. It's really special. I want to start my own small clothing brand one day."
