2025 Outstanding Young Citizens
Congratulations to our Outstanding Young Citizens!
Bahler, Emerson
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
Attend the University of Pittsburgh and study psychology
Brazier, Jordan
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
Coons, Ava
Pine-Richland High School, 12
I will attend the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus to study English Writing as an undergraduate. I then plan on attending Pitt’s School of Education in hopes of becoming a high school English teacher, following into my mom’s footsteps as she, alongside my own teachers, has helped me realize the importance of educators in everybody’s lives.
Doperak, Maxwell
Derry Area Senior High School, 12
In the fall, I will attend the University of Pittsburgh, where I will also be a part of the honors program. I will be working to complete the pre-dental track and eventually become an orthodontist.
Graff, Isabella
St. Joseph High School, 12
In the fall, I will attend the University of Pittsburgh David C. Frederick Honors College, where I aspire to earn my PhD in Environmental Science and become a professor and researcher. In doing so, I will be able to make meaningful, concrete contributions to environmental protection.
Hoburg, Alexis
Deer Lakes High School, 12
I plan to study actuarial science at a four-year university and later begin my career as an actuary. In addition to my occupation, my ultimate goal in life is to be able to find joy in every moment, even during difficult times.
Plazio, Samuel
Kiski Area High School, 12
I have accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point. I will report July to begin a year of academic, military, and physical preparation. Upon graduation, I hope to earn an appointment to West Point the following year.
Upon graduating from West Point, I will serve as a second lieutenant in the infantry division of the Army where I will continue challenging myself as a leader and soldier, with the long-term goal to serve as an Army Ranger.
Tilley, Bliss
Oakland Catholic High School, 12
In college, I plan to major in English and either double major or minor in either film studies or in studio art. There, I will continue to allow my creativity to flourish, and in time, I hope to become an author, whether it be a storyteller or a screenplay writer.
Tilley, Bliss
Oakland Catholic High School, 12
In college, I plan to major in English and either double major or minor in either film studies or in studio art. There, I will continue to allow my creativity to flourish, and in time, I hope to become an author, whether it be a storyteller or a screenplay writer.
Waffensmith, Kennedy
Agora Cyber Charter School, 11
In the future, I plan on pursuing a degree in Data Science, I love to solve problems and create plans or framework to properly execute budgets, plans and data driven findings. I plan to not only attend a university, but to immerse myself into campus life, resembling my present actions. I want to educate myself while working at a local restaurant, volunteering at and regularly attending the local Catholic Church, leading and advising clubs and activities, and playing golf or intramural softball.
White, Maddie
Hempfield Area High School, 11
I plan to go to school and have a duel majorette in special education and elementary education. I also plan to stay involved with special Olympics.
Zalevsky, Evan
Norwin High School, 11
With a strong foundation in the sciences, I plan to pursue a career in medicine as a powerful instrument for equity and healing. Aspiring to become a physician dedicated to serving everyone, including underserved populations, I envision specializing in internal medicine to bridge the glaring gaps in access to compassionate, high-quality care.