2025 Outstanding Young Citizens
Congratulations to our Outstanding Young Citizens!
McCurry, Peter
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
I plan to continue my youth service this summer in North Carolina to help a Lutheran Camp which suffered from Hurricane Helene. I also plan to -sometime within the next couple years- travel to Japan and learn more about the culture that I have been learning about in class, and once I’m out of high school I plan to continue studying Japanese. I’m currently looking at colleges, specifically schools with Political Science and Business classes. Thank you for considering me for this award.
Methven, Alan
Hempfield Area High School, 12
Attend Penn State for Mechanical engineering. I also plan to do Navy ROTC and serve as an officer after college. Plan to work at our scout camp, Camp Conestoga for the summer and summers to come.
Mlinarcik, Elissa
St. Joseph High School, 12
I plan to attend IUP for Social Studies/History Education, and then I either want to be a middle school teacher, or move on to law school to become a family lawyer.
Muralidharan, Kaartic
North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
I am curious and passionate about science. I plan to use my proclivity to study biochemistry in college. At college, I plan to both perform research and volunteer to gain exposure into the field of medicine. Since I love learning, I plan to pursue a degree after undergrad to become a doctor. After college, I plan to use my knowledge of medicine to benefit my community; this can be performing cutting-edge research to develop advances in health or directly in healthcare to improve patient lives.
Palmgren, Emma
Montour High School, 12
I was accepted and have committed to the 5-year accelerated Physician Assistant Program at Duquesne University. In addition, I have been accepted into the Duquesne Honors College. My goal is to become a Physician Assistant in the healthcare field. My current plans are to work in women’s health and Obstetrics/Gynecology.
Palumbo, Louisa
St. Joseph High School, 11
I plan to enter into a college program where I can double major in mathematics/statistics as well as musical theater so that I can continue to pursue my two favorite things. I also hope to attend a college where I can bowl on a collegiate team.
Palumbo, Louisa
St. Joseph High School, 11
I plan to enter into a college program where I can double major in mathematics/statistics as well as musical theater so that I can continue to pursue my two favorite things. I also hope to attend a college where I can bowl on a collegiate team.
Passaro, Dominic
Montour High School, 12
Attend a 4-year university to major in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in either Aerospace or Biomedical Engineering. I aim to work for either a healthcare company and design new devices to be used by disabled patients or work for a company in the space industry to build rockets.
Pencak, Alison
Kiski Area High School, 12
I plan to attend Slippery Rock University to study Early Childhood Education and have been accepted into the Honors College. Working with kids and seeing how they learn has always been something I enjoy, which is why I chose teaching. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and gaining hands on experience so I can become a strong, effective teacher. My goal is to teach in an elementary school and make a positive impact on children’s lives every day.
Phelan-Vidal, Mateo
Fox Chapel Area High School, 11
Accepted to Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Architecture Program – Summer 2026
Falling Water Architectural Residency Program – Summer 2026
Pursue Undergraduate Degree and Professional Licensure as an Architect
Plazio, Samuel
Kiski Area High School, 12
I have accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point. I will report July to begin a year of academic, military, and physical preparation. Upon graduation, I hope to earn an appointment to West Point the following year.
Upon graduating from West Point, I will serve as a second lieutenant in the infantry division of the Army where I will continue challenging myself as a leader and soldier, with the long-term goal to serve as an Army Ranger.
Quinn, Riley
Burrell High School, 11
My future plans include graduating from Burrell High School and remaining in the Top 5 of my class. I then plan to attend a four-year university and major in a STEM related field. I am undecided at this point on a major but would love to do something where I can combine my love for science with my desire to help others and make a difference in my community.
Reid, Uriah
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
I plan to go to college and explore my options. One day, I’d like to travel to Japan. I’m also interested in film.
Repak, Madison
Derry Area Senior High School, 12
Attend the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to pursue a degree in Business with plans to focus on accounting and finance.
Spearman, Elias
Penn Hills High School, 11
In my future, I plan to attend college to study a pre-medical major, go to medical school, and complete residency to become an esteemed anesthesiologist.
Stickney, Martin
St. Joseph High School, 11
Attend college for Computer Science and Broadcasting and join the bowling team.
Tengowski, Julia
North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
After graduating high school, I would like to study and swim at a four-year university and major in English. While I’m not entirely certain yet of what career I would like, I know I would like to do something that allows me to work with and help others.
Thomas, Isabella
St. Joseph High School, 11
I plan to attend college to major in meteorology and minor in communications.
Tilley, Bliss
Oakland Catholic High School, 12
In college, I plan to major in English and either double major or minor in either film studies or in studio art. There, I will continue to allow my creativity to flourish, and in time, I hope to become an author, whether it be a storyteller or a screenplay writer.
Tilley, Bliss
Oakland Catholic High School, 12
In college, I plan to major in English and either double major or minor in either film studies or in studio art. There, I will continue to allow my creativity to flourish, and in time, I hope to become an author, whether it be a storyteller or a screenplay writer.
Waffensmith, Kennedy
Agora Cyber Charter School, 11
In the future, I plan on pursuing a degree in Data Science, I love to solve problems and create plans or framework to properly execute budgets, plans and data driven findings. I plan to not only attend a university, but to immerse myself into campus life, resembling my present actions. I want to educate myself while working at a local restaurant, volunteering at and regularly attending the local Catholic Church, leading and advising clubs and activities, and playing golf or intramural softball.
West, Sean
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
In the future, I see myself creating a trade business. I intend to go to college and get a business degree. After I get my degree I want to learn a trade. My goal is to stay in Pittsburgh so my business can contribute to my local community in a positive way.
White, Maddie
Hempfield Area High School, 11
I plan to go to school and have a duel majorette in special education and elementary education. I also plan to stay involved with special Olympics.
Woessner, Zoe
Montour High School, 12
I plan to attend a four year university to major in business management. I have been accepted to the business programs for the University of Virginia, Penn State, Indiana University-Bloomington, Clemson, and University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Wolfe, Sean
St. Joseph High School, 11
Beyond high school, I plan on attending Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio for four years. Following my time at Franciscan, I intend on pursuing priesthood by completing seminary formation at Saint Paul Seminary in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.