Twenty-eight high school athletes were honored at the second annual Western Pennsylvania Positive High School Athlete Awards on Saturday at the Senator John Heinz History Center.

The Positive Athlete Pittsburgh initiative, led by former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, was formed to promote the benefits of positivity to young athletes.

Ward addressed the room at the beginning of the event and talked about the benefits of finding the positive no matter how bad things get and maintaining an attitude that anything's possible. It's something too often missing, nowadays, said Ward, who mentioned the fate of his former team this year, saying the Steelers “didn't have enough guys in that locker room who were positive athletes.”

Ward also told the students that he wasn't always the best athlete, but teams need kids who can remain optimistic and humble, lead by example, put the team first and encourage others.

“We need more of you in our society today,” he said.

Ward, who is training for an Ironman triathlon, asked girls cross country winner Laura Kenderes, of South Side Beaver, for some running advice.

“One mile at a time,” was her reply.

Injured Pirates pitcher Jeff Karstens joined Ward on stage and posed for photographs with all the winners before presenting an award himself. He was also part of the event last year.

“It's kind of (an) award just to be asked to be part of it,” Karstens said. “I'm definitely honored.”

The committee received more than 500 nominations for students from 110 Western Pennsylvania high schools. Nominations came from coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers and parents.

Karen Price is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach her at kprice@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KarenPrice_Trib.

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