2024 Outstanding Young Citizens
will be announced Thursday, April 25!
Congratulations to our 2024 Outstanding Young Citizens.
Miriam Spak
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Megan Spak
Academic Achievement
Academic High Honor Roll – Maintained highest possible GPA for all of high school, currently ranked first in my class, Recipient – 3 Years
YMCA Conference on National Affairs – Chosen to attend national public policy conference twice, 1 out of 30/600+ student delegates to receive Distinguished Delegate award for outstanding student leadership in 2023, Delegate – 2 Years
Pennsylvania Youth and Government Senate Chair – Elected statewide twice to chair a mock committee at a model legislative conference in Harrisburg, received the Outstanding Senate Chair award (given to the top Senate chair in the state) both times, Senate Chair – 2 Years
Y-USA National Youth Advocate – 1 of 2 students from Pennsylvania and 54 nationwide selected to advocate for the YMCA’s legislative priorities to members of Congress in Washington, D.C. Also chosen to moderate a panel with Y-USA CEO Suzanne McCormick and fellow Youth Advocates, Youth Advocate – 1 Year
Extracurricular Activities
Debate Team – Competes in Congress event (first Obama Academy student to place at a tournament post-pandemic) and help to introduce debate concepts to new students, Co-Captain – 2 Years
CMU Project Ignite – Selected to participate in an interdisciplinary, research-based program at CMU. Worked on projects with other high schoolers under the mentorship of Carnegie Mellon University undergraduates, Attendee – 2 Years
Pennsylvania Youth and Government (Obama Chapter) – President of club with 55 students. Plans all meetings, communicates with other club leaders, and responsible for fundraising (has raised $2000+ plus dollars to date to cover costs of conferences and transportation), Delegation Leader – 3 Years
My School Votes – Leads voter registration drives at Obama Academy, Student Ambassador – 1 Year
Student Council member, Representative – 2 Years
Community Involvement
Riverstone Books, Bookseller – 1 Year
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Teen Volunteer – 1 Year
Children of Steel (community service organization) – Started a chapter at my school, which is now the largest service club; leading initiatives such as free tutoring for elementary schoolers, fundraisers for local charities, and making greeting cards for isolated seniors; currently serve as the Human Resources Officer on COS’s Executive Board., President – 2 Years
Plans
After graduation, I plan on attending a 4-year university to study English and public policy. I hope to take the necessary prerequisites for medical school and study to become an obstetrician. I also hope to engage in meaningful volunteer work and join the Peace Corps someday. I firmly believe that charity begins at home, so my biggest goal is to uplift and support those around me in whatever profession and location I choose,