Fox Chapel Area High School senior Kaitlyn Schaffer was presented with the title of Western Pennsylvania’s “Most Positive High School Athlete” in the sport of Girl’s Tennis on May 3, 2014, by former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, and Roberto Clemente Jr., the son of the late Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.
Kaitlyn was presented the award, along with 25 other winners representing a variety of boys and girls sports, at the C Harper Positive High School Athlete Awards at the Senator John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in downtown Pittsburgh. Nearly 1,000 nominations from coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers, and parents were submitted by a total of 125 Western Pennsylvania high schools.
“This is the third year for the C Harper Positive High School Athlete Awards, and the stories of our nominees continue to amaze me,” said Ward. “I was always credited with having a positive influence on my team during my days with the Steelers, but the stories I hear about kids like Kaitlyn really inspire me to be a better person.”
In addition to an awards’ certificate signed by Mr. Ward, Kaitlyn took photos with the former Super Bowl MVP and Mr. Clemente.
Positive Athlete Pittsburgh and the Positive High School Athlete Awards is in its third year and was created as a movement for more positivity in youth sports. In addition
to excellence on the field, each participating Positive Athlete shares similar characteristics including 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.
“We did not put out a search for the best athletes in Western Pennsylvania,” said Ward. “We put out a search for kids with positive attitudes whose efforts do’ít necessarily show up on the stat sheets. These kids are also positive role models in their schools who get involved in charitable causes, and have already learned the meaning of giving back at an early age.”
“We hope this program focuses the spotlight on how important a positive attitude is not only in sports, but in life as well,” said Clemente. “My father’s legacy will always be remembered for his heart for others, something that ultimately cost him his life.”