Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees

Ahmad, Eshal

Sewickley Academy, 11

When I am older, the job that I want to pursue is a lawyer. In many case studies, I saw the fate of asylum seekers being determined by nonrepresentative immigration courts. Over time, there has been a great scarcity of affordable legal representation. With the increase in restrictive and complex immigration laws, seeking asylum in the US has become a considerable challenge for refugees. Deportation becomes a possibility. Therefore, as a lawyer, I hope to facilitate this immigration process.

Brewer, Grant

Greensburg Central Catholic High School, 11

As a Physician’s Assistant specializing in Sports Medicine, I hope to improve lives by helping the injured return to full health faster with thorough and compassionate patient care that implements cutting-edge techniques. I plan to play soccer and compete as a decathlete at the NCAA Division 1 level. My commitment to community will grow stronger with positions of leadership in USA Track & Field, as well as continuing to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, foodbanks, coaching, and tutoring.

Doherty, Sophia

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

In the fall I will be attending Carnegie Mellon University to major in mechanical engineering, and I also plan to minor in French. I will be playing on the Tartan softball team while I’m there, and I’m very excited. I hope to partake in many opportunities presented to Carnegie Mellon students, including study abroad programs, honors societies, research groups, internships, and music groups not limited to music majors, such as the campus orchestra and their musical theater club.

Gombos, Sophia

Shady Side Academy, 12

In autumn 2025, I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School to study business. This will be a brand new chapter in my life. During my four years, I plan to study abroad for one semester, gaining skills to continue my work in international exchange. I aim to bridge this dichotomy – the international and the hyperlocal – to help connect individuals and increase intercultural understanding and learning.

Martin, Luke

Hampton High School, 11

I hope to continue to empower people through chess in the future, as chess teaches about persistence when things get hard. I would like to go to a four-year university where I can learn about business and marketing, in order to eventually run my own business. I have interest in a lot of things, perhaps running my own chess non-profit in the future. I also have considered careers in teaching since I enjoy it so much.

Radkowski, Nathan

Central Catholic High School, 12

I plan to study biomedical engineering at a four-year university. Through research and collaboration, I hope to improve peoples’ lives and health in a variety of ways, from regenerative tissue engineering to targeted drug therapies. I also intend to continue my commitment to service and volunteerism. I will utilize my time and talents to have a positive impact on my community, and hopefully a larger scale as well.

Trumbull, Orli

Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11

After high school, I plan to attend a four year college. Currently, I am looking to study political science, international relations, or something similar. Before I take that leap, I am considering taking a year after high school to continue expanding the work I do in Pittsburgh and advocating for the voices of my peers.

Walsh, Carissa

Springdale Junior/Senior High School, 12

I have been accepted into the University of Pittsburgh’s Honors College, where I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. With a strong passion for medicine, I have applied to the University’s Guaranteed Physician Assistant Program and look forward to exploring new experiences while engaging in research opportunities. Committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing healthcare, I aspire to make a meaningful impact on my community by enhancing the quality of care for those in need.

Weldon, Pat

Seton-LaSalle High School, 12

I plan to major in Biology/Neuroscience in the pre-med track, then attend medical school to become a physician. My goal is to develop the skills necessary to provide compassionate, effective care to as many people as possible. As a future physician, I am committed to a lifetime of service, using my God-given gifts to continually seek ways to improve lives, strengthen my community, and make a lasting impact on those in need.

Zhang, Athena

North Allegheny Senior High School, 12

I hope to combine my love for science and animal welfare in the future, pursuing a career that advocates for better veterinary healthcare access through studying engineering or public health. My goal is to give back to the animal community by promoting equity in veterinary care, ensuring that all animals receive the treatment they deserve. Additionally, I hope to continue my love for music in college by playing in a symphony orchestra.

Bash, Logan

Deer Lakes High School, 12

I have always dreamed of owning my own company and as of last year, I made that dream come true by establishing Logan’s Landscaping Services LLC. After high school, I plan to attend a local university majoring in business administration and entrepreneurship to not only grow my company but also to be a mentor for other young entrepreneurs. Part of my business plan is to continue giving back to the community by partnering with local organizations to provide landscaping services to those in need.

Enos, Kayla

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

I plan to attend the University of Florida to major in psychology.

Ha, Tim

Pine-Richland High School, 11

Heverly, Loyal

Greensburg Salem High School, 12

My plans include earning a BFA in Musical Theater. While in school I want to be able to pursue my passion and also help in the community. I want to be a part of the community that gives everyone a voice and chance to express themselves. My career goals is to make it in the performance world while giving back to the community and making sure there is room for everyone to share their talents. I strive to perform on a Broadway stage, act on television and the movies, as well as being a voice actor.

Hurley, Molly

Springdale Junior/Senior High School, 12

After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university and major in chemical engineering, while continuing to stay active in my college and local community.

Kelley, Emma

Oakland Catholic High School, 12

I plan to attend The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing program, where I intend to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. After graduation, I plan on working as a bedside nurse in a local hospital before returning to graduate school. As a graduate student, I aspire to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner before returning to nursing. I want to assist patients and family members and give them a reason to smile during difficult times.

Kirk, Annabelle

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

I plan to attend the University of Kentucky in Fall of 2025. I will be majoring in nursing in hopes to eventually become a CRNA.

Marsh, Danica

River Valley High School, 11

My plans include attending a college of my choice and majoring in Digital Media, focusing on video production while minoring in Deaf Studies to broaden my knowledge of sign language. I also plan to become a feature twirler in the marching band at my chosen college.

McDevitt, Chloe

Oakland Catholic High School, 11

I plan to go to college to major in either English or Criminal Psychology, hopefully going on to get my PhD or a law degree. I’d like to become a criminal psychologist, studying criminal behaviors to assist in cases and improve the justice system. I have an interest in the criminology field and hope to make a difference.

Miller, Opal

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

I am planning on pursuing a degree in economics or chemical engineering. After college, I ultimately hope to study law so I can continue advocating for my community. Beyond academics and career, I want to travel around the world and continue singing in choir.

Myers, Garrett

Springdale Junior/Senior High School, 12

Ever since childhood, machinery has facisntated me. It was crystal clear that engineer was the key to my future endeavors. I yearned to be one of the bright minds who design the instruments that will inspire many—just as they inspired me. From then on, I have stayed true to my path as I continue to my college education with the plan to pursue mechanical engineering. With this degree, I want to create a more sustainable future, not just for Pittsburgh, but for the world.

Nguyen, Sydney

Franklin Regional High School, 12

Pursue a career in pediatric dentistry after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Biology at an unknown university.

Poli, luca

Fox Chapel Area High School, 12

I plan to attend a four year college in the Fall of 2025, where I hope to achieve top grades for a successful career.

Roberts, Zoe

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

I plan to attend the University of Kansas, majoring in East Asian languages and cultures, study abroad, and continue community volunteering engagement. I hope to forge a career based in history and science communication, global connections, and advocating for the conservation of culture and history across the world.

Shin, Joseph

Fox Chapel Area High School, 11

I would like to attend a 4 year college and major in some form of mathematics and possibly minor in the Spanish Language. While in college, I hope to continue some of my high school activities including running at a club level, playing in a classical orchestra, and especially deepen my work with the Special Olympics organization to continue to spread inclusivity wherever I may end up.