(April 3, 2025) Pennsylvania Senator Carolyn Comitta, District 19 and Representative Dan Williams, District 74 awarded 2nd Century Alliance and Shakira Davis, Coatesville Community Coordinator, with the prestigious Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Award for their outstanding community-wide improvements.

Fifty dedicated volunteers collected an impressive 269 bags of litter and 26 tires, while also removing weeds, cigarette butts, and yard signs from Coatesville streets and sidewalks. With the support of Home Depot, the city of Coatesville, and Philadelphia residents, volunteers enhanced the curbside appeal by planting bulbs and flowers in three garden planters.

In addition, thirty volunteers continued the cleanup efforts, collecting 168 bags of litter, abandoned electronic devices and appliances, and over 300 political signs, which were recycled through an initiative started by Keep Chester County Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Both events were remarkable community efforts, with state agencies, businesses, local organizations, and government officials joining in by donating time, services, food and beverages, vests, trash bags, gloves, and the hauling away of litter.

“Community is more than just the space we live in. It’s about the people and the actions we take to make it the best home possible. The great work being organized by the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance, Shakira Davis, and their volunteers is all about community and helping ensure Coatesville remains clean, healthy, and beautiful. I was glad to be joined by Rep. Dan Williams in nominating their work for the Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and to help kick off their Spring cleanup,” said Senator Carolyn Comitta.

“We are incredibly proud to see Shakira, a valued member of our 2nd Century Alliance team, recognized with the Community Pride Award. Her passion for Coatesville shines through in everything she does, from championing community cleanups to inspiring others to take pride in their neighborhoods. Shakira’s dedication embodies the mission of 2nd Century Alliance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her impact,” said Amber Little-Turner, Executive Director, 2nd Century Alliance.

“We are thrilled that Senator Comitta and Representative Williams honored the 2nd Century Alliance and Shakira Davis with the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award. Their dedication to improving the Coatesville community through extensive cleanup efforts and beautification projects exemplifies the spirit of our mission. Their work not only enhances the environment but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the community,” said Shannon Reiter, Executive Director, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Clean and beautiful communities tend to see less littering and other illegal behavior, making it a better place for all residents and providing a foundation for community and economic development.

The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship by an individual, school, community organization or civic group that makes an outstanding commitment to litter control, recycling, or general environmental stewardship. The community Pride Award is available to elected officials to recognize those in the community working to change behaviors at the local level. Elected officials interested in nominating a constituent for a Community Pride Award should visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose grants and awards, then awards, then Community Pride Award for more information. The award is open on a rolling basis.

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About Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s vision is a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Since 1990, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has worked with hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the state to pick up nearly 162 million pounds of trash from Pennsylvania’s roadways, waterways, greenways, vacant lots, forestlands and other community spaces. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s core programming focuses on litter and illegal dump prevention, cleanup, community greening, and proper waste handling and sustainable practices. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful works with many partnering organizations on the state and grassroots level to accomplish our goal of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. To learn more about Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, visit www.keeppabeautiful.org.

Download the press release.