2026 Outstanding Young Citizens
Congratulations to our Outstanding Young Citizens!
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.
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.
Giannetta, Kate
St. Joseph High School, 12
I plan to play collegiate volleyball at Chatham University. I am currently undecided and I am looking forward to taking a wide variety of class to find where my interests lie.
Ging-Wargo, Meadow
Montour High School, 12
I plan to attend Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus to study civil engineering.
Gleason, Delaney
Montour High School, 12
I plan to attend a four-year university to major in Biomedical Engineering before attending medical school. I aspire to become an anesthesiologist and earn a certification in addiction medicine. I hope to contribute to the development of new methods for treating addiction, making recovery more easily achievable for patients.
Haake, Morgan
Derry Area Senior High School, 12
I plan to attend college and receive a degree in aerospace engineering. While in college, I am hoping to make the most of my time and continue my passion of music as well as further my education in the STEM field, while also networking and letting myself flourish as a person. Once graduated, I will attempt to get a job in the aerospace industry, more specifically in research and development, and try to improve air and space travel to be more economically and environmentally friendly.
Halloway, De’Ja
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
My future plans include becoming a first generation college student, practicing international business law, becoming fluent in the Japanese language to do so, and returning to Pittsburgh to assist small businesses expand via globalization in Japan. I am also rather interested in politics. I have never been discouraged from pursuing an office position and pushing for the change the community around me desires. However, first and foremost, I will finish high school as strongly as possible.
Hayostek, Pierce
Deer Lakes High School, 12
Ever since I was young, I have felt a strong call to leadership. Throughout High School, I sought to hone this skill by leading and committing myself to my extracurriculars. Inspired by my older brother and cousin, who are both Marines, I decided to apply for an NROTC Marine Option scholarship in the fall. In mid-March, I was informed that I was selected for the scholarship and will now attend college for four years and then commission as an officer in the Marine Corps where I will lead Marines.
Hoburg, Alexis
Deer Lakes High School, 12
I plan to study actuarial science at a four-year university and later begin my career as an actuary. In addition to my occupation, my ultimate goal in life is to be able to find joy in every moment, even during difficult times.
Huth, Mary
St. Joseph High School, 11
After high school, I intend to get my undergraduate degree in Political Science and eventually attend law school at The University of Notre Dame.
Ji, Summer
North Allegheny Senior High School, 12
At the hospital, I hope to spend my days battling illness and fighting for my patients’ health, dedicating my full effort to restoring comfort, hope, and smiles to children and their families. As a future pediatrician, I will commit not only to guiding children through illness and maintaining their health, but also to collaborating with colleagues for accurate and compassionate care while continually challenging myself to learn, grow, and better serve every patient and community I encounter.
Jumba, Jacob
Norwin High School, 12
I plan to futher my education at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). There I plan to major in Themed Entertainment and Design, which I can use to create theme parks, hotels and cruise ships. It is my dream to become a Disney Imagineer at the Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando, Florida.
Kathju, Arjun
Sewickley Academy, 11
I plan on attending university with a major interest in the biomedical sciences and technologies, with a further goal of entering the research and healthcare fields. I hope to develop the skills that will help me to solve medical problems, develop new and improved biochemical technologies as a researcher, and help those in need as a healthcare professional.
Kenna, Patrick
Ligonier Valley High School, 11
I plan to become a Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, work on my own cars, and travel in retirement.
Kerin, John
Derry Area Senior High School, 12
I plan to attend the University of Pitt at Johnstown for a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. I plan to start a club volleyball team while I am there to continue my athletic career. I will aim to find my place in the engineering field after college and continue to help the world with my skills.
Li, Angelina
North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
In the future, I hope to continue my education at a four-year university and beyond, studying both STEM and business simultaneously. I am really passionate about exploring how scientific innovation and business tactics can be combined to maximize impact. Eventually I hope to have a career as a medical entrepreneur who pioneers scientific discovery and also works to streamline accessibility so solutions can reach the lives they were created to change.
Low, Yik Hoi
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
I want to pursue higher-level education at a top college. I am not committed to one major yet. However, given how I have enjoyed doing projects and other works in STEM, I would likely major in something STEM-related like Engineering, Computer Science, or Pre-Med. I also would like to stay involved in the world of athletics, be it through playing, coaching, or even reffing. Sports have been a life-long passion of mine, and I can’t imagine myself ever completely quitting.
Lozecki, James
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
After high school, I intend to play baseball at the collegiate level and serve my community through a career in medicine.
Lucia, Madison
Southmoreland High School, 12
In the fall, I will attend WCCC to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing while continuing to work as a medical assistant. I also hold a Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology license, which combined with my current experience as a medical assistant, provides exposure to patient care and client services. I plan to align my A.A.S. in nursing with WVU’s B.S.N. program and a surgical tech certification to support my long term goal of pursuing a career in aesthetic nursing.
