Outstanding Young Citizen Awardees – Outstanding Young Citizen

Bahler, Emerson

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

Attend the University of Pittsburgh and study psychology

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.

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

Colbert, Jaslyn

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

Go to college to pursue a career in law

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liao, Charlotte

Quaker Valley High School, 12

I have not entirely committed to a college yet, but I have been accepted at the University of Notre Dame, which was my top choice! My current plan is to attend Notre Dame for four years to major in Neuroscience and Behavior, attend Physician Assistant school for another two years, and then work as an inpatient PA.