Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees – Outstanding Young Citizen

Myers, Grace

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

I plan to attend university to study Special Education and Psychology.

My goal in life is to be able to contribute to something meaningful — an innovative technology, or even a creative design — and proudly say, “I helped make that happen.” I plan on achieving this dream by pursuing Mechanical Engineering at a school where I will have the opportunities to conduct large-scale research in fields like aerodynamics, and to work with even more industry partners on solutions that have substantial impact on the world in fields ranging from aerospace to sustainability.

Nury, WIll

Shady Side Academy, 11

I plan to attend a liberal arts college and am interested in studying the humanities. Considering current events, I believe that an understanding of the human condition has great value in today’s society.

O’Connell, Rory

Oakland Catholic High School, 11

For the rest of my high school career, I plan to continue maintaining a steady job, playing volleyball, and focusing on my academics to make for the most successful future college experience possible. After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university. I hope to earn a degree in Sports Marketing and go on to work in professional athletics. After college, I hope to get married and start a happy, healthy family.

Ozkaya, Zehra

Fox Chapel Area High School, 11

I want to focus my future career by combining my three passions: athletics, science, and culture. I want to become an orthopedist, potentially specializing in sports medicine. As an orthopedist, I want to pursue research in the creation of early detection devices. I also wish to study abroad, where I can learn about healthcare in other countries. Integrating myself into a different culture is a vital step that will help my ability to make accessibility of devices globally available.

Padmanabhan, Sritej

North Allegheny Senior High School, 11

My grandfather faces Parkinson’s head-on every day. It’s not the disease’s limitations that motivate me, but his perseverance despite the motor disabilities and lifestyle changes he faces. His resilience inspires me to push forward in my research, endeavors, and goals. If he can persevere with a smile, then I can too. Hope has been his guiding light, and in the future, I aspire to empower others through my nonprofit and as a computational neuroscientist, advancing accessible care and education.

Park, Evan

Winchester Thurston, 11

In the future, I intend to pursue college and a writing career. I will continue to practice and learn new piano pieces, as well as continue my competitive chess career. Above all, I strive to continue serving my community and sharing my passions with others by teaching chess and providing piano lessons.

Pellegrino, Samuel

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

I plan to attend college to pursue a Master of Science in Athletic Training because I have always loved sports and I hope to help athletes achieve their full potential.

Pencak, Ali

Kiski Area High School, 11

I plan to attend a four year college or university to continue my education majoring in the field of Elementary Education with a focus in reading specialist certification.

Persichetti, Ava

Fox Chapel Area High School, 12

After graduation from Fox Chapel Area High School, I plan to attend a four year college and major in business and marketing. I look forward to studying abroad and learning new cultures. I will also continue my community service focus during college and future career because volunteering has been a big part of my life.

Poole, Anthony

Franklin Regional High School, 11

My future life plans are to live a prosperous life centered around values that have been instilled into me since I was born including faith, citizenship, family, honor, and academia. After high school, I plan to enroll in a 4 year college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or Mechanical Engineering with plans to pursue a PhD in Physics and become a Professor of Physics. I plan to settle in the Pittsburgh area, grow my family, and give back to God and my community.

Reinke, Rachel

Leechburg Area High School, 12

Attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience and Psychology

Repak, Regan

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

I am planning to attend Penn West Edinboro University with a major in Pre-Pharmacy as a part of the Honors College and will continue swimming on their team. Following this, I plan to enroll in a Pharm-D program and become a pharmacist.

Ross, Briana

Springdale Junior/Senior High School, 12

I plan to receive a bachelor’s degree in plastics engineering at Penn State Behrend and play on the women’s soccer team.

Runas, Joshua

Deer Lakes High School, 12

I have committed and will be attend Slipper Rock University to study Strategic Communications & Media, Sports Management, and photography. After leaning and developing an analytical understanding of media and how its utilization I will find work in this field. Through networking and lessons learned in and out of school I hope to attempt my dream. I hope to create a platform where creators small and large can produce their work to display their skills. Showcasing cinematography at a new level.

Safranyos, Maria

Kiski Area High School, 11

I plan to further my education at a four-year university to study Kinesiology. I then hope to enroll in a graduate program to obtain a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, specializing in Sports PT. As a future physical therapist, I strive to help athletes recover from injuries and achieve top performance levels, as I was once helped following a significant sports injury.

Silva, Rodrigo

Fox Chapel Area High School, 11

After graduating, I hope to combine my love for math and science with my passion for helping others by pursuing a career in medicine. For the next year and a half before beginning my college journey, I will continue to explore the medical field by shadowing doctors and by conducting research at the UPMC Hillman Academy over the summer. Besides educational endeavors, my commitment to community service will continue after graduation, and I do hope to continue playing Ultimate Frisbee in college.

Smith, Allyson

Pine-Richland High School, 12

I was very happy to receive the letter from Trib Total Media that I was nominated for Outstanding Young Citizen Award, and thank you for reviewing my application.

I plan to attend Slippery Rock University in the fall to major in Criminology. I am very fascinated with the behind-the-scenes process of solving crimes and providing closure to families searching for answers. After college, I plan on applying to the FBI Academy here in Pittsburgh to further my knowledge of the law and justice.

Smith, Elliana

Oakland Catholic High School, 11

My future plans include attending college and becoming a Physician Assistant. I plan to play club volleyball in college and continue my involvement in athletics. I also plan to study abroad and travel.

Stelitano, Matthew

Shaler Area High School, 11

My goal is to attend college to pursue business/finance
I also plan on playing hockey in college.

Tabay, Madeline

New Brighton High School, 12

I plan on attending Penn State University Park in the fall, to get a degree in secondary education in social studies.

Taliani, Brooke

Springdale Junior/Senior High School, 12

I plan to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Fall 2025, majoring in Early Childhood Education.

Tedesco, Theodore

Fox Chapel Area High School, 11

I plan to double major in Biology and Environmental Science at a 4-year university.
I am passionate about conservation and sustainability issues. I am particularly interested in studying the impact climate change has on the human body, how pollutants and global warming impact medical conditions, and how our environment can lead to new pathogens. I also plan to continue volunteering for the Audubon Society and wildlife conservation groups.

Ulery, Isabella

Norwin High School, 12

I have been accepted to Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, where I will double major in Earth Science & Policy and International Relations, combining my two strongest passions. Upon receiving my undergraduate degree, I aspire to attend law school so that I can ultimately pursue a career in Environmental Law. My biggest goal is to dedicate my career to mitigating climate change, increasing sustainability, and saving our planet.

Vilkner, Darcy

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

In college, I plan to major in computer science with a focus on robotics. In my career, I intend to create digital twins for technology like self-driving cars. Testing unusual or high-risk traffic scenarios with physical vehicles can be expensive and even dangerous. Simulations offer a safer, more efficient alternative. In college, I will deepen my knowledge of engineering so that I can develop new technologies that are safe, sustainable, and improve the quality of life for humanity.