Three honored Thursday for outstanding contributions to the Staten Island community – SILive.com

Honorees Elijah Scott-Pyle, LRaye Means and Robert Perkins are flanked by Dorcas Meyers and Dr. Jacqueline Wilson at the Celebrating Unsung Community Leaders Making a Difference at Dreyfus Intermediate School in Stapleton. February 27, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Three people were honored Thursday night at Celebrating Unsung Community Leaders Making a Difference, a Black History Month event at Dreyfus Intermediate School in Stapleton.

Hosted by the African American community and the JCC Beacon program, the event's honorees were Minister Robert Perkins, receiving the Community Service Award; LRaye Means, Entrepreneurship and Community Service Award; and Elijah Scott-Pyle, Youth Community Service Leader Award.

It feels great!" Perkins said of being honored. "However, not in the form of recognition, but in the form that I believe there is someone who will be there who will be inspired to do more.

Perkins has for decades been involved in a broad range of initiatives that support and improve the Staten Island community, from spending his Thanksgivings hosting dinner for people in need to his current roles as Outreach Specialist for Fatherhood Matters and Regional Director for The Edge Foundation.

He started a barbershop and clothing store business in West Brighton in 2001 that was more than a shop -- it was a food pantry, shelter and a place where he taught people how to cut and earn employment.

I have been blessed...by caring, genuine people, and it has caused me to do the same in the form of giving back to those who may face similar challenges as myself, Perkins continued.

"To whom much is given, much is required, he added.

Means, who was honored for her entrepreneurship, is the owner and chief designer for Mugshots Figment, a company that personalizes everything from invitations to sculptures, trophies, journals and engravings.

In 2015, Means launched the Melanin Positive Line, featuring what she calls wearable art, with imagery and artwork of strong black women on shirts, jackets, tote bags and more.

I feel greatly honored and appreciated in being recognized for this prestigious award, Means said. I am a background type of person and seldom accept such honors mainly because my satisfaction comes from the quality service I give my clients. Their trust in my designs is my greatest joy.

My philosophy is if you can support an effort, give it your all, Means added.

Scott-Pyle, a Curtis High School student and the president of the NAACP Youth Council on Staten Island, said he was humbled by being honored.

I dont do what I do for the recognition of it, but to be appreciated and know that I have made sacrifices that have helped make impact in my community really make me feel good. It makes it all worth it, Scott-Pyle said.

The Youth Council has also been recently honored, with the highest award possible in the New York State Youth & College Division during the 83rd New York State NAACP Conference last October.

I keep doing what I do, and use my voice and platform to continue to make a difference. Whether Im here or away at college or an adult with a family, that doesnt really change.

>> Scroll for photos from Thursday's event. <<

(Derek Alvez/Staten Island Advance)

Scenes from the Celebrating Unsung Community Leaders Making a Difference at Dreyfus Intermediate School in Stapleton. February 27, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez).

The Elite Squad danced at the Celebrating Unsung Community Leaders Making a Difference at Dreyfus Intermediate School in Stapleton. February 27, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)

Scenes of a dancer from the Celebrating Unsung Community Leaders Making a Difference at Dreyfus Intermediate School in Stapleton. February 27, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)