Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees

Antunes, Julia

Mt Lebanon High School, 11

After graduating high school in 2027, I plan to study Government and Economics and pursue law, with the goal of serving in government and public policy, advancing educational equity, and fostering inclusive, culturally connected communities.

Anzaar, Humna

Franklin Regional High School, 11

I plan to major in public health on a pre-med track with the eventual goal of becoming an OB/GYN. Alongside clinical practice, I hope to engage in policy work and advocacy that address systemic gaps in healthcare and advance gender equity, with a particular focus on policies related to intimate partner violence. I also plan to continue expanding my nonprofit, Blessings Beyond Borders.

Braidic, Mitchell

Montour High School, 12

My goal is to attend a 4-year university and study biomedical and chemical engineering. I hope to eventually enter the healthcare space and contribute to the development of technologies that improve patient care and treatment.

Brewer, Grant

Greensburg Central Catholic High School, 12

My father’s battle with cancer and my own fight for survival as a child ignited a passion in me to improve lives through engineering. Grateful for the innovations that saved us, I aspire to develop technologies to restore sight, regenerate limbs, and expand human potential. At Bucknell University, I will study mechanical engineering, compete as a varsity decathlete, and grow as a leader in athletics and service, driven to build a future where science uplifts those who need it most.

Cafardi, Alaina

Pine-Richland High School, 11

I plan to attend a four year university and major in biology or pre-medical studies. Following that, it is my intent to attend medical school and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. During the course of my dance career, I have experienced several injuries that have required treatment by an orthopedic surgeon. My experience with those injuries has made me want to have my own surgical practice in which I can treat athletic injuries, with an emphasis on return to play.

Fernando, Shaun

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, 12

From exploring genetic similarities between humans and fruit flies in middle school to advanced work in computational biology and biophysics, including CMU Biophysics research, creating the water quality bot Potamoi with myH2O, and serving as a Hillman Cancer Research Fellow in the YES Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy, University of Pittsburgh, I have approached science through curiosity and discovery, and I plan to study mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh or CMU

Ginde, Ronit

North Allegheny Senior High School, 11

In the future, I hope to become an emergency medicine physician where I can be on the front lines of care and help patients in their most critical moments. In college, I plan to study science, while also continuing service in my community to gain exposure to the field of medicine. In the future, I want to not only treat patients but also work to improve access to care and improve the health of my community.

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.

Liao, Charlotte

Quaker Valley High School, 12

I have not entirely committed to a college yet, but I have been accepted at the University of Notre Dame, which was my top choice! My current plan is to attend Notre Dame for four years to major in Neuroscience and Behavior, attend Physician Assistant school for another two years, and then work as an inpatient PA.

Liu, Muriel

North Allegheny Senior High School, 11

In the future, I hope to pursue a career in ophthalmology and vision care. I plan to study a science-related major and explore innovative ways to treat vision problems while supporting my community through outreach and health programs. I hope to combine scientific research with accessible care to improve vision and expand opportunities for others.

Andree, Niviah

St. Joseph High School, 12

My future plans are to attend a four year college and major in nursing, specifically hospice nursing.

Bahler, Emerson

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

Attend the University of Pittsburgh and study psychology

Beech, Nathan

Ligonier Valley High School, 11

After graduating high school I intend to join the Pennsylvania Air Force National Guard, and attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania. At IUP I wish to enroll in the dual program with Pitt Engineering and earn a degree in Chemical Engineering. Afterwards I aim to become employed for several years to gain crucial experience in the field of engineering. Following this I intend upon creating my own engineering and consulting firm, and becoming a business owner.

Bensur, Ashley

Hempfield Area High School, 12

I will be attending Waynesburg University to study Forensic Investigation and Communications.

Bloch, Jillian

St. Joseph High School, 11

After graduating high school, I plan to attend college on a path to become a physical therapist or a nurse.

Borbonus, Brennan

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

I plan to major in Biology while attending one of the following universities which I have been admitted to: Clemson University, The University of Pittsburgh, or Penn State University. After achieving my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue an advanced degree and become a professional in the medical field.

Brazier, Jordan

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

Carter, Nakayla

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

I plan on going to school for Nursing to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Caruso, Jesse

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

My plan is to attend a four-year college in Pennsylvania, and pursue a degree in either education or agricultural sciences. I’m very open-minded when it comes to my education, and I’m willing to accept new ideas and experiences to better my future. Whatever route I decide to go down, I plan to use my education to improve my community and myself, and keep growing academically and personally.

Chiarini, Mira

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

I would like to go to college and double major in biomedical engineering and chemical engineering. I plan to use this education to further research that has been done in womens heathcare, treatments/diagnostic techniques for chronic illnesses and, hormonal issues.

Clokey, Keyaerah

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

Attend a four year college in Japan for architecture and live life to the fullest.

Colbert, Jordan

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

Further develop my entrepreneurial skills to enhance my window cleaning business Squeegie Stars

Further develop my coding skills for web and app development

Colbert, Jaslyn

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

Go to college to pursue a career in law

Conaway, Ian

North Hills Senior High School, 12

I plan to attend a 4-year university and study aerospace engineering. I am confident that I will utilize my education to have a stable and impactful career in the aerospace field, and that I will inspire others to do the same.

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.