Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees

 

2023 Outstanding Young Citizens

Congratulations to all of our Outstanding Young Citizens.

 

Cormas, Nicholas

Norwin High School, 12
Top Ten

In college, I plan to study Neuroscience and Spanish whilst also exploring other subjects I am interested in such as Philosophy and Applied Mathematics. After that, I will attend medical school to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. As a practicing physician, I plan on dedicating a significant portion of my career to conducting medical missionary work abroad as well as working with local communities to revitalize preventative medicine.

Kalbhor, Reva

Mars High School, 11
Top Ten

I am committed to join the US Air Force as a future Air Force pilot or US Space Force as Space Operations Officer. I wish to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Science as I am passionate about space exploration. This summer, I hope to expand my leadership ability by attending the USAFA Summer Seminar and the American Legion Girls State (both decision pending). I plan to continue to work with Pedal2Success Inc, to help underprivileged students around the world.

Kreis, Viva

Belle Vernon Area High School, 12
Top Ten

My career goal is a unique one that can not just be obtained at any college. I aspire to be a sports broadcaster for women’s sports! In order to achieve this goal, I feel I need to go to the best journalism school in the country – the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. I also plan on continuing to play handball for the US National Team while competing in tournaments across the globe with the ultimate goal of playing in the 2028 Olympics!

Phan, Jennifer

St. Joseph High School, 11
Top Ten

Our political climate is an altering puzzle of shifting dynamics and transforming complexities. Although I may never be able to assemble each puzzle piece to form a perfect world due to its convolution, each piece is worthwhile. The intricacy gravitates me toward the mysteries and challenges facing our globe. As I intend on attending college in the Fall of 2024, the varying distinctions and disciplines presented through double-majoring in International Relations and Political Science will allow

Qu, Angel

North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
Top Ten

I want to pursue a future that combines my love for medicine and leadership. This summer, I’m planning to do medical research while preparing for my upcoming extracurricular leadership roles for the next school year. I hope to study pre-med in university with a major in nursing and a minor in business, then attend medical school while pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management. Ultimately, I want to become a hospital system manager to serve my community as both a physician and a leader.

Reid-Vensel, Grace

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, 12
Top Ten

An important part of my decision-making for my future is prioritizing the growth of my local Non-Profit, LuLu’s Free Store. With this in mind, I plan to attend Washington & Jefferson College to further my studies in Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy while running varsity Cross Country and Distance Track.
I aspire toward a political future, where I can advocate on the frontlines of the poverty crisis while being able to support dignity and hope in America in the legislative field.

Shedeed, Mohammad

South Fayette High School, 12
Top Ten

I want to have a career as a psychiatrist and open my own clinic focused on healing with holistic methods versus relying on medications. I plan to major in neuroscience for the next 4-5 years so I can understand the complex phenomenon that is the human brain which will aid me in my profession of analyzing the mind and its effects on on a person’s life. I want to understand how countries around the world view mental health and how mental health resources can be adjusted to suit their needs.

Trumbull, Isaiah

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

During my remaining time in high school I am excited to continue to support and advocate for students. I also plan to continue to engage with my school and with the school district. I hope to continue my leadership and work to make a positive change in my community. After high school I plan to continue my education at a 4-year liberal arts college and study either economics or political science. I want to be a leader in my field and to do work to better humanity.

Varshney, Praneel

Franklin Regional High School, 12
Top Ten

Upon graduation from high school, I plan to further my education at a university to study computer science with a concentration on artificial intelligence. I’m deeply interested in exploring AI’s applications in other scientific fields such as medicine. While doing so, I plan to continue to serve my community and will volunteer with various organizations.

Wisniewski, Brayden

Avonworth High School, 12
Top Ten

I plan to become a User Experience (UX) Designer. Next fall, I will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and major in UX Design. This discipline of design is focused on improving a user’s experience with the technology they encounter. I have already been able to join extracurriculars at SCAD from their Joint Enrollment Program. I’m already a part of FLUX, a club focused on UX Design, and SCAD SERVE, which allows students to listen to the needs of their neighbors.

Aird, Zander

Yough Senior High School, 11

My future plans include the honor of serving in the US military. For this reason, I’m considering either attending a service academy or joining ROTC at a traditional university. I’m in the process of applying to several summer sessions – USCGA, USNA, and West Point – so I can make an informed decision about which will be best for me. I like to be challenged both academically and physically, and either path will provide that. I plan to study business; I have an interest in entrepreneurship.

Alagar, Balaji

Pittsburgh Milliones (University Prep), 12

Although I have yet to make my college decision, I intend to study Mechanical Engineering. This field embodies me: I love solving problems, using CAD software, and operating tools such as mills, lathes, and CNC machines. I enjoy drawing rough sketches of a part, and I take pleasure in designing and constructing functional and useful machines.

Allen, Donovan

Central Catholic High School, 12

After I complete my undergraduate studies as an English major, I plan on pursuing a doctoral degree in English and studying coloniality in literature. Literature shapes us in many ways, and therefore the literature we read and how we read it is essential to our lives as human beings. I want to redefine how we read literature and what we consider great literature to be, along with offering a framework for future generations to understand and study literature.

An, Austin

Greater Latrobe Senior High School, 11

As a high school junior with a passion for the sciences and medicine, my future plans involve pursuing a career in healthcare and science. My desire to help others and make a positive impact on their lives has led me to pursue different opportunities such as volunteering at local hospitals, shadowing physical therapists and taking every science class available to me. I hope to attend a top medical university and major in a science field ultimately attending medical school and becoming a doctor.

Auman, Kiersten

Ligonier Valley High School, 12

I plan to attend a 4 year University to major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. My goal is to get involved in various clubs around campus, as well as potentially run on the girls Track and Field team. I hope to graduate at the top of my class, and attend Physician Assistant School soon after graduation. When I become a Physician Assistant I want to help those who suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and hopefully improve their quality of life.

Azar, Sophie

North Allegheny Senior High School, 12

I plan to study business and Spanish in college and become an international consultant.

Baker, Cameron

Greater Latrobe Senior High School, 12

In the future, I would like to be an interventional radiologist. To start, I plan to obtain my bachelors degree in Biochemistry at Michigan State University. This will be a crucial start to my education in preparation for the next step, medical school. As of now, I plan to attend Upenn for medical school. Overall, I’m ecstatic to go further on this journey.

Ballock, Gabriella

Chartiers Valley High School, 11

I plan on obtaining a civil engineering degree, followed by an MBA. I’m currently looking at universities in Florida and hope to intern at NASA. In preparation for college I’ve been taking the Engineering Project Lead the Way courses, as well as several AP courses, acquiring 9 college credits for RIT. I recently planned a girl’s empowerment event at CVHS with 5 influential women speakers. I too hope to someday be a female leader and role model to inspire other young women to enter STEM fields.

Baughman, Riley

Greater Latrobe Senior High School, 12

I will be attending Penn State University with a major in Secondary English Education and possibly a double major in Geology as well. While I am at Penn State, I plan on joining the club ski team and the Speech and Debate team. I also want to be able to continue my service with Big Brothers Big Sisters in college. My hope after getting my degree is to become a teacher and help to change the educational system in order to make it more accessible to everyone.

Belak, Tyler

Knoch High School, 11

I plan to go to college and major in Music Education.

Bernat, Maggie

St. Joseph High School, 11

I plan to attend college. I am interested in architecture and design, among other things. I hope to study abroad, as part of my academic experience. I intend to continue leadership and ambassador roles in college, because I believe it is important to contribute to the betterment of one’s community.

Billet, Taylor

Riverview Junior/Senior High School, 12

I have been admitted to the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University, where I will major in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. My minors will include Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communication. Volunteering with Cochlear Americas and DePaul School for Hearing and Speech made me realize that I want a career where I’m helping others and improving the communities around me. I hope to study abroad and obtain my MBA upon completion of my undergraduate degree,

Blasko, Emilee

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

In the future, I plan to attend a four-year college where I will major in Nursing. After graduation, I hope to begin my career as a Pediatric Nurse.

Blystone, Sierra

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

To attend an undecided college to major in chemistry.

Brady, Connor

Steel Valley High School, 12

I plan to go to Westminster College with a full academic scholarship to receive my bachelor’s degree in biology. After graduating from Westminster college, I plan to go to another college to become a veterinarian. After becoming a veterinarian I plan to work for someone else initially and then maybe after a couple years of experience under my belt open my own veterinary clinic.