2025 Outstanding Young Citizens
Congratulations to our Outstanding Young Citizens!
Bahler, Emerson
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
Attend the University of Pittsburgh and study psychology
Borbonus, Brennan
Derry Area Senior High School, 12
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stickney, Martin
St. Joseph High School, 11
Attend college for Computer Science and Broadcasting and join the bowling team.
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.