Pittsburgh Review

It was a special day at training camp this week when the three recipients of the Art Rooney Scholarship for 2024 had a chance to enjoy breakfast with Steelers personnel and then watch practice from the sidelines.

The Art Rooney Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the late founder of the Steelers, who died in August 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.

This year's winners are Carly Duncan, Megan Mashuda, and Taymir Smalls.

Steelers President Art Rooney II and his sister, Patricia Rooney-Gerrero, were on hand to present the scholarships to the students at an event at Saint Vincent College.

"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 ROTC and will be attending Point Park University 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 my 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 much about football but enjoys watching the Steelers play and has plenty of respect for them.

"I love sport but don't know everything about it," said Mashuda."It's unexpected getting a scholarship from football team."

"This really helps as I have two brothers; my older brother is also at Pitt while my other brother is going into junior year in high school. As we get older paying becomes tough; this really helps.”

Smalls attended Perry Traditional Academy and will attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania majoring in entrepreneurship.

"This is dream come true,” said Smalls.”To receive hometown team’s scholarship—team loved—is dream come true.”

Smalls mentioned being lifelong Steelers fan; receiving such honor meant much him.

"Even being same place players/organization dream,” he added.”Only team liked/knew.”

“And getting this aids schooling/further education; truly special starting own small clothing brand one day.”