LARGO – 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Dev Shah will be among the recipients of this year’s Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce 14th Annual Inspire Awards. The ceremony and reception take place on Thursday, Aug. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo.
Shah, who graduated this year from Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School in Largo, correctly spelling the word ‘psammophile’ to take home the $50,000 first prize in June. Eleven students made the finals after 11 million people entered spelling competitions throughout the world.
The Inspire Awards celebrate individuals in the region who have had a positive impact on the lives of others through their leadership in the workplace and/or involvement in the community.
Multiple nominations were submitted for this year’s honorees, eight of whom were selected. They are:
Inspiring Business Leadership: Robin Katchuk, Palms of Largo and Patricia Collins, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
Inspiring Community Service: Danielle Noble, McManus & McManus, P.A. and Nannette Prevost, Remember Me NFP, Inc.
Inspiring Our Young: Dr. Duncan MacMillan, musician and educator.
Young Who Inspire: Dev Shah, Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School and Largo Youth Leadership Council.
Inspiring Public Service: Henry Schubert, City of Largo (retired).
Cost to attend is $30 for adults and $10 for those 16 and under. Place reservations at www.CentralChamber.biz or call 727-584-2321.
The 14th Annual Inspire Awards Ceremony & Reception is sponsored by Advanced Video Systems, Home Instead Senior Care/Be a Santa to a Senior, McManus & McManus, P.A., Pinellas Technical College, Professional Systems Printing & Promotional Products, VSL Computer Services, Village Inn and Visit St. Pete Clearwater.