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Pennsylvania PBS honors eight Champions of Lifelong Learning

  • By Staff

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania PBS and its seven member stations celebrated public media and eight Champions of Lifelong Learning award winners during “A Beautiful Day in the Capitol” in Harrisburg on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

“Public media plays an essential role in bringing people together — offering a safe, trusted space where families can learn, grow, and celebrate what makes our region special,” said WQLN President and CEO Cindy Spizarny. “Here in northwestern Pennsylvania, we’re proud to be part of the everyday moments that shape our neighborhoods, from a child’s first favorite PBS KIDS character to meaningful conversations about the issues that impact us all. It’s a responsibility we hold close to our hearts and a commitment we carry forward every day.”

Each member station honored an elected official or Commonwealth employee with a Good Neighbor Award at a presentation in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol.

2025 honorees include:

  • Representative Jordan Harris, WHYY
  • Secretary of the Department of Aging Jason Kavulich, WVIA
  • Senator Nick Pisciottano, WQED
  • Representative Ryan Bizzarro, WQLN
  • Senator Patty Kim, WITF
  • Representative Peter Schweyer, Lehigh Valley Public Media/PBS-39 WLVT
  • Representative Kerry Benninghoff, WPSU

Champions of Lifelong Learning honorees regard public media as a community asset. They support Pennsylvania PBS and its member stations’ mission to inspire lifelong learning, engage audiences in civic leadership and be a valued partner in public safety across the Commonwealth.

“WPSU is proud to be a cornerstone of our community, providing invaluable educational resources, programming, and services that reflect the diverse needs of central Pennsylvania. We support families and educators with high-quality, accessible content that enriches the lives of learners of all ages through impactful storytelling, local programming, events and educational opportunities,” said Isabel Reinert, WPSU Executive Director & General Manager. “Our commitment to strengthening our community and enriching learning for individuals of all ages ensures that we remain a trusted partner to the 1.3 million Pennsylvanians in our primarily rural service area.”

Visitors to the East Wing Rotunda were greeted by PBS KIDS’ character Curious George, who received an honorary Champions of Lifelong Learning recognition, and had an opportunity to meet with representatives from all seven Pennsylvania PBS member stations to learn more about their educational and civic engagement initiatives.

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About Pennsylvania PBS

Pennsylvania PBS (PA PBS) is the collective name for seven public media organizations located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These include  WHYY/Philadelphia, WITF/Harrisburg, PBS39/WLVT/Lehigh Valley, WPSU/State College, WQED/Pittsburgh, WQLN/Erie, and WVIA/Scranton. Together we are a resource for all Pennsylvanians by providing civic, educational, and cultural programs and events. For more information, visit pennsylvaniapbs.org.

Photos of the honorees can be found in WITF’s Google Album: 2025 A Beautiful Day in the Capitol

For more information, please contact: Christina Zeiders, christina_zeiders@witf.org, 717-910-2621

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