2024 Outstanding Young Citizens
will be announced Thursday, April 25!
Congratulations to our 2024 Outstanding Young Citizens.
Abby Hagen
Mars High School, 11
Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Kevin and Nikki Hagen
Academic Achievement
Kitty Hawk Air Society – Honor Society within AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp) that only accepts 10% of the unit., Member – 1 Year
Leadership Award – Awarded at end-of-year AFJROTC banquet. Received for being in the top 5% of cadets who have exhibited leadership skills during the 22/23 school year., Recipient – 1 Year
Daughters of the American Revolution Award – Awarded at the end-of-year AFJROTC banquet. Received for displaying honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism., Recipient – 1 Year
Certificate of Achievement – Presented by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the House of Representatives to recognize hard-working, dedicated, and committed individuals in the classroom., Recipient – 1 Year
American Legion Award Nomination – Presented to outstanding cadets who demonstrate general military and/or academic excellence through leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship., Recipient – 1 Year
Extracurricular Activities
Youth Group & Church Camp – I have attended youth group weekly and other youth events, as well as, two church camps every year since 6th grade., Member – 3 Years
Slow-Pitch Softball – A local recreational softball league that builds teamwork, friendships, and softball skills., Member – 3 Years
AFJROTC Drill Team – I have participated on the JV Unarmed, Varsity Unarmed, and Female Color Guard teams, placing at many competitions. I have also placed in two individual drill knockout competitions (1st and 3rd place)., Member – 2 Years
Mountaineer Cadet Officer Leadership School (MCOLS) – Attended week-long summer leadership camp through AFJROTC at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia., Cadet – 1 Year
AFJROTC Joint Leadership Academic Bowl (JLAB) – An academic competition created for JROTC cadets to build important skills and values such as teamwork and leadership., Captain – 1 Year
Community Involvement
Children’s Ministry – Volunteering at Kid’s Club weekly at GFPC, VBS at my great uncle’s church, Good News Club with my youth pastor at the Mars Elementary and Primary Schools, and nursery on Sundays at GFPC (> 69.5 hrs)., Volunteer – 5 Years
JROTC Community Service – There are many volunteer opportunities available through JROTC. I have volunteered at events such as Bingo at nursing homes, football game parking, and color guards (34)., Cadet – 2 Years
AFS (American Field Service) Club – AFS is an international exchange student program. In my time with the club I have volunteered at the yearly craft show and other AFS events (29 hrs)., Volunteer – 6 Years
Comprehensive Planning Community Action Committee – A committee brought together to discuss the future of the Mars Area School District and recommend a building plan to compensate for current needs and prepare for future growth (5.5 hrs)., Member – 1 Year
Student Leadership Committee – A committee of elected students brought together to help lead the Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church (GFPC) youth and plan, organize, and execute events (5 hrs)., Member – 1 Year
Plans
I plan to pursue a four-year degree in a STEM-related field. The field of STEM has always been one that piques my interest and challenges me in an enriching way. My goal is to find a fitting career that will utilize my problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills. I hope to be a wife and mother while remaining very involved with my church and community, serving in any way I am called to.