Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees

Akolkar, Udbhav

Pine-Richland High School, 12

I plan to dual major in philosophy and political science, which are my strong passions. I look forward to studying them in depth and having meaningful conversations with my peers. I then plan on attending law school, where I hope to specialize in Constitutional Law, which is the best field for me to continue my work in empowering others. However, I have also considered pursuing a PhD. in philosophy and going into academia so I can help shape political landscape of modern world.

Bernstein, Isaac

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

Currently, I plan on matriculating to Princeton University to study at their School of Public and International Affairs on a pre-law track. Advocacy is part of my identity, so being able to represent those in need as an attorney is a career I’d value each day.

Brewer, James

Greensburg Central Catholic High School, 12

I hope to engineer the human genome to decrease gene-mutation diseases and utilize space’s resources to produce another habitat humans can call home, sparking a multiplanetary economy to sustain mankind. I plan to achieve these goals with advanced engineering and computer science degrees at Carnegie Mellon University while competing as a Varsity decathlete. My commitment to community will continue with volunteering in USA Track & Field, Habitat for Humanity, youth coaching and tutoring.

Ehman, Clark

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

I am open to a lot of different things. I know I want to go to a top 4-year college and figure out exactly what I want to do. I love history, so most likely something in the field of liberal arts or medicine. I also intend to play baseball in college, baseball is my great passion in life. I want to continue and grow my project over the years to come. I will play baseball as long as I have the opportunity to.

https://www.kidsburgh.org/kidsburgh-hero-clark-ehman-this-14-year-old-collected-over-4

Leventopoulos, Kari Ann

Penn-Trafford High School, 12

I have been accepted to the Honors College at Duquesne University where I will study biochemistry and simultaneously earn a Pre-Medical and Health Professions Post-Secondary Certificate. After college, I plan to attend medical school and become a doctor. I want to become a doctor so I can help people stay healthy and live their best lives. I plan to continue my community service efforts through my personal platform, Feed the Need to End Hunger. I also hope to write another children’s book.

Navid, Sadie

Shady Side Academy, 12

I hope to attend a research university to prepare for a medical career and to be fortunate enough to play in the NCAA and a college symphony orchestra.

Qu, Angel

North Allegheny Senior High School, 12

I plan to attend university (undecided) and major in Public Policy/Public Affairs or Healthcare Management and Policy, depending on the major offerings at the college I attend. Ultimately, I hope to become a physician and pursue a leadership position in the healthcare field (hospital manager, clinic owner, etc) working with underserved communities to promote healthcare equity.

Roccia, Victoria

Pine-Richland High School, 11

After graduating high school, I hope to attend a 4-year university to major in marketing and minor in advertising. In addition, to my degree, I hope to continue my family’s philanthropy endeavor with the charity golf event that we run. My true passion was discovered this year when I started the “Day of Thanks”, which provides free dental care to Veterans and First responders on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I feel it is my mission to help those, who are constantly helping others.

Wang, Collin

North Allegheny Senior High School, 12

After graduating from North Allegheny, I hope to study public policy and data science in college. These two fields have long interested me: I love trying to find ways to solve social science problems through the use of technology and data. Therefore I want to pursue a career that combines knowledge from both. Ideally, I see myself delving further into policy research in the government or at a nonprofit think tank, aiding in informing policymakers of potential solutions to pressing issues.

Zaidi, Arshia

North Allegheny Senior High School, 11

I hope to combine my love for science and service in my future. Throughout the rest of my high school journey, I will continue volunteering at hospitals and working with the Teen Leadership Coalition, a youth board of a local nonprofit that I serve as chair of, to plan drives and fundraisers at schools. I have a deep love for helping those around me, and I believe pursuing a career in healthcare will be perfect for me. I hope to become a doctor and focus on making healthcare more accessible.

Aland, Michael

Serra Catholic High School, 12

I plan to attend Syracuse University to study Sports Analytics with a minor in Communications. I hope to one day make enough money that I can take care of my parents when they get older.

Anderson, Ariana

Pine-Richland High School, 12

I plan to attend Ohio Northern University’s Raabe College of Pharmacy in Ada, Ohio and study to become a pharmacist. I have always been inspired by my mother’s compassionate work as a pharmacist. She cares for our family, counsels the community, and even passes out lollipops to children. She helps people, including family, through difficult times, and in doing so, she puts smiles on so many people’s faces. I want to be a pharmacist just like her.

Anke, Piper

Derry Area Senior High School, 12

My dream is performing, to encourage young people to follow their dreams. It all started when I was just five years old in the cushy seat of a Broadway theater, I sat feeling endless excitement. While I don’t remember much, I remember how I felt, it sparked my love for performing. Once I finally had the chance to try it, I have never looked back. My dream is to inspire even just one kid to try something new, regardless of fear, just like someone did once for me.
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Barth, Juliette

Oakland Catholic High School, 12

Planning to attend University to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing Degree. I would like to become a Nurse Anesthetist and work in the operating field.

Bey, Kenza

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

In the future, I hope to continue advocating for my community and working towards a better future globally. After graduating high school, I plan on attending a 4-year college or university on a pre-law track, and later attending law school. Although I am not entirely sure on the type of law I would like to practice, I have an interest in immigration, international, and civil law.

Bish, Carson

Butler Area School District, 12

I plan on attending a 4-year accredited university to major in actuarial science or data analytics. I want to take the knowledge I gain and put it to use in the sports world

Bisignani, Eric

Greater Latrobe Senior High School, 11

I plan to attend a 4 year college, majoring in business, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. It has always been a dream of mine to own and manage a business of my own.

Black, Zachary

Serra Catholic High School, 12

I will be attending Mercyhurst University where I will receive an athletic scholarship for baseball and an academic scholarship.

Bloch, Janna

St. Joseph High School, 11

I plan to attend college and law school to prepare for a career in law.

Brown, Vincent

Serra Catholic High School, 12

Upon graduation, I will attend The University of Pittsburgh Frederick Honors College and major in Biochemistry.

Brown, Delia

Winchester Thurston, 11

I’m interested in studying cryptography, a field that combines my love of math and my desire to contribute to the world. I’d like to use cryptographic techniques, like end-to-end verifiable voting, to ensure that people trust that elections are secure, free, and fair. I’d also like to develop new cryptographic algorithms to expand voting access by allowing people to safely and securely vote from anywhere, enfranchising more voters to have their voice heard in the democratic process.

Caroff, Lucy

Moon Area Senior High School, 11

In the first grade I decided I wanted to be a teacher, I also wanted to drive an ice cream truck, but the first dream prevailed. I plan to get a degree in education and chase that dream. My favorite thing is to see something click in someone’s head, to have a part in helping a kid understand a concept they didn’t before. I also plan on serving in the military after Highschool in at least a reserve aspect. Other than that I hope to keep writing in any capacity for the rest of my life.

Chen, Leona

Upper St. Clair High School, 12

I plan to study computer science in university and possibly minor in business, economics, or piano performance. I aim to pursue a career in software engineering or consulting and hope to work at a startup in the future. I will continue my community involvement with music and STEM advocacy through college and beyond.

Clarke, Cate

Serra Catholic High School, 12

I am currently undecided on where I will be attending college, but I plan to study psychology and play collegiate basketball. I intend to enter a career in sports psychology, helping young athletes in high school or college.

Collins, Alexa

Carlynton Junior/Senior High School, 11

My future plans include becoming a diesel mechanic and continue learning my throughout the industry. I also plan to get my CDL once I turn 18 and receive emissions and inspection licenses for both gasoline cars and trucks, as well as larger diesel trucks and semis. I want to be able to inspire others my age or even older/younger that they can do what they want to do no matter the limitations that others try to put on them.