2025 Outstanding Young Citizens
Congratulations to our Outstanding Young Citizens!
Andree, Niviah
St. Joseph High School, 12
My future plans are to attend a four year college and major in nursing, specifically hospice nursing.
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.
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.
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.
Brazier, Jordan
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
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.
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, Jaslyn
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
Go to college to pursue a career in law
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
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.
Culp, Ava
Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, 12
Through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University while pursuing mechanical engineering. I aim to enter the propane and energy industry, as propane is a cleaner-burning fuel that helps reduce emissions while meeting energy needs. As the industry continues to advance with renewable propane and improved efficiency, I hope to contribute to more sustainable solutions while supporting my stepfather’s propane and welding business.
Daugherty, Olivia
St. Joseph High School, 11
I plan on attending a four year university to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology and forensic science prior to attending medical school. My long term goal is to become a Forensic Pathologist and be a lead medical examiner.
Dellemonache, Domenic
St. Joseph High School, 12
I plan to graduate high school with highest honors and attend a Catholic college soon afterwards. I aspire to graduate college with a major in biochemistry and be able to commit to medical school. I would like to continue my career path by finding a well-paying job where I can put my God-given gifts to use. Later on in life, if I choose not to take up the role as a husband or father, then I may join the seminary and become a holy and reverent priest.
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.
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
Ferroni, Davide
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
I am planning on going to university to major in Chemistry or Biology.