The Shaler Area Distinguished Alumnus committee has named Jim Shearer as winner of the 2024 SASD Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Shearer graduated Shaler Area High School in 1993 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in English from Waynesburg University and his Master of Science in Radio, Film, and Television at Syracuse University. In 2002 he submitted a homemade audition tape that caught the eye of executive vice president of MTV and landed him a job as a host. Shearer is best known for hosting VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown from 2009–2014, but has had a robust career as host across an array of media, including podcast host, and host on Sirius XM radio. An avid sports fan and talented artist, he has artwork featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Currently, Shearer serves as Director of Communications for FOX Rehabilitation. Shearer serves as an adjunct professor at Fordham University.

Shaler Area High School gave Shearer his start in TV. While a student, he was active in SATV and did color commentary for football and basketball games. Anne Loudon, Shaler Area High School English teacher and Shearer’s sister, shares, “Jimmy’s journey is inspiring as it illustrates that impossible dreams can become reality with enough hard work and determination.”

Shearer will be honored on November 4 at 7:00 p.m. as part of the National Honor Society induction ceremony at Shaler Area High School.