Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees – Outstanding Young Citizen

Andree, Niviah

St. Joseph High School, 12

My future plans are to attend a four year college and major in nursing, specifically hospice nursing.

Bahler, Emerson

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

Attend the University of Pittsburgh and study psychology

Bensur, Ashley

Hempfield Area High School, 12

I will be attending Waynesburg University to study Forensic Investigation and Communications.

Bloch, Jillian

St. Joseph High School, 11

After graduating high school, I plan to attend college on a path to become a physical therapist or a nurse.

I plan to major in Biology while attending one of the following universities which I have been admitted to: Clemson University, The University of Pittsburgh, or Penn State University. After achieving my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue an advanced degree and become a professional in the medical field.

Braidic, Mitchell

Montour High School, 12

My goal is to attend a 4-year university and study biomedical and chemical engineering. I hope to eventually enter the healthcare space and contribute to the development of technologies that improve patient care and treatment.

Brazier, Jordan

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

Brewer, Grant

Greensburg Central Catholic High School, 12

My father’s battle with cancer and my own fight for survival as a child ignited a passion in me to improve lives through engineering. Grateful for the innovations that saved us, I aspire to develop technologies to restore sight, regenerate limbs, and expand human potential. At Bucknell University, I will study mechanical engineering, compete as a varsity decathlete, and grow as a leader in athletics and service, driven to build a future where science uplifts those who need it most.

Carter, Nakayla

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

I plan on going to school for Nursing to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Caruso, Jesse

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

My plan is to attend a four-year college in Pennsylvania, and pursue a degree in either education or agricultural sciences. I’m very open-minded when it comes to my education, and I’m willing to accept new ideas and experiences to better my future. Whatever route I decide to go down, I plan to use my education to improve my community and myself, and keep growing academically and personally.

Clokey, Keyaerah

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

Attend a four year college in Japan for architecture and live life to the fullest.

Colbert, Jaslyn

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

Go to college to pursue a career in law

Colbert, Jordan

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

Further develop my entrepreneurial skills to enhance my window cleaning business Squeegie Stars

Further develop my coding skills for web and app development

Coons, Ava

Pine-Richland High School, 12

I will attend the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus to study English Writing as an undergraduate. I then plan on attending Pitt’s School of Education in hopes of becoming a high school English teacher, following into my mom’s footsteps as she, alongside my own teachers, has helped me realize the importance of educators in everybody’s lives.

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.

Fernando, Shaun

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, 12

From exploring genetic similarities between humans and fruit flies in middle school to advanced work in computational biology and biophysics, including CMU Biophysics research, creating the water quality bot Potamoi with myH2O, and serving as a Hillman Cancer Research Fellow in the YES Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy, University of Pittsburgh, I have approached science through curiosity and discovery, and I plan to study mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh or CMU

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.

Ginde, Ronit

North Allegheny Senior High School, 11

In the future, I hope to become an emergency medicine physician where I can be on the front lines of care and help patients in their most critical moments. In college, I plan to study science, while also continuing service in my community to gain exposure to the field of medicine. In the future, I want to not only treat patients but also work to improve access to care and improve the health of my community.

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.

Graff, Isabella

St. Joseph High School, 12

In the fall, I will attend the University of Pittsburgh David C. Frederick Honors College, where I aspire to earn my PhD in Environmental Science and become a professor and researcher. In doing so, I will be able to make meaningful, concrete contributions to environmental protection.

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.