A rising college freshman, Nora Kudis still remembers her pre-school days watching Mister Rogers dispatch his trolley to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe to initiate adventures with Daniel Tiger, King Friday, and company. Mister Roger’s Neighboordhood was a staple for Kudis who grew up in Jefferson Hills where her mom made an intentional effort to take her and her younger brother to visit the city Fred Rogers called home. The lessons she learned over the years were about “self-worth, being trustworthy, being curious to live and learn, and to play.”
Her childhood connection to Mister Rogers is what helped Kudis earn a scholarship, one of only three awarded, from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. The organization, which believes that historic renovation is a tool for revitalizing communities and building pride, hopes to introduce young people to their work and mission.
When Kudis learned that the scholarship essay prompt focused on the historical and personal significance of an Allegheny County landmark, it was a no brainer. The statue of Mister Rogers, titled “Tribute to Children” was the perfect choice. Located along the North Shore, the 10-foot bronze sculpture captures Mister Rogers in the familiar act of tying his sneakers, his lap wide enough for children to climb onto and sit comfortably.
“Mister Rogers has six fundamentals of learning and growth that stand out to me, and I kind of reflected on them throughout the essay,” Kudis explained.
Kudis’ essay highlighted the personal significance of the iconic statue and its broader meaning to the Pittsburgh community. She wrote that the statue serves as “a reminder of all that is good in Pittsburgh,” “a place for people from all walks of life to share in the message of kindness and acceptance,” and a “tribute to the man Mister Rogers was and his message to the world.”
Last month, Kudis and the other scholarship recipients celebrated their accomplishments during a reception at the historic Mansions on Fifth Hotel in Shadyside. Her essay earned her a $6,000 scholarship to the college of her choice—also a no-brainer. Saint Vincent College not only offered the major she was seeking but also embodied the strong sense of community that Fred Rogers so deeply valued.
When Kudis learned about Saint Vincen’s close connection to Mister Rogers through the Fred Rogers Institute and its stewardship of his archives, her decision to apply was only further confirmed. After being accepted, she earned a prestigious spot as a Fred Rogers Scholar for the Fall 2025 term.
Kudis plans to major in history and earn her secondary teaching certification, preparing her to carry forward Mister Rogers’ legacy and share it with a new generation of students.
