2025 Outstanding Young Citizens
Congratulations to our Outstanding Young Citizens!
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.
Li, Angelina
North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
In the future, I hope to continue my education at a four-year university and beyond, studying both STEM and business simultaneously. I am really passionate about exploring how scientific innovation and business tactics can be combined to maximize impact. Eventually I hope to have a career as a medical entrepreneur who pioneers scientific discovery and also works to streamline accessibility so solutions can reach the lives they were created to change.
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.
Low, Yik Hoi
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
I want to pursue higher-level education at a top college. I am not committed to one major yet. However, given how I have enjoyed doing projects and other works in STEM, I would likely major in something STEM-related like Engineering, Computer Science, or Pre-Med. I also would like to stay involved in the world of athletics, be it through playing, coaching, or even reffing. Sports have been a life-long passion of mine, and I can’t imagine myself ever completely quitting.
Lozecki, James
Pittsburgh Obama (The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies), 11
After high school, I intend to play baseball at the collegiate level and serve my community through a career in medicine.
Lucia, Madison
Southmoreland High School, 12
In the fall, I will attend WCCC to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing while continuing to work as a medical assistant. I also hold a Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology license, which combined with my current experience as a medical assistant, provides exposure to patient care and client services. I plan to align my A.A.S. in nursing with WVU’s B.S.N. program and a surgical tech certification to support my long term goal of pursuing a career in aesthetic nursing.
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.
Muralidharan, Kaartic
North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
I am curious and passionate about science. I plan to use my proclivity to study biochemistry in college. At college, I plan to both perform research and volunteer to gain exposure into the field of medicine. Since I love learning, I plan to pursue a degree after undergrad to become a doctor. After college, I plan to use my knowledge of medicine to benefit my community; this can be performing cutting-edge research to develop advances in health or directly in healthcare to improve patient lives.
Palmgren, Emma
Montour High School, 12
I was accepted and have committed to the 5-year accelerated Physician Assistant Program at Duquesne University. In addition, I have been accepted into the Duquesne Honors College. My goal is to become a Physician Assistant in the healthcare field. My current plans are to work in women’s health and Obstetrics/Gynecology.
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.
Pencak, Alison
Kiski Area High School, 12
I plan to attend Slippery Rock University to study Early Childhood Education and have been accepted into the Honors College. Working with kids and seeing how they learn has always been something I enjoy, which is why I chose teaching. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and gaining hands on experience so I can become a strong, effective teacher. My goal is to teach in an elementary school and make a positive impact on children’s lives every day.
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.
Tengowski, Julia
North Allegheny Senior High School, 11
After graduating high school, I would like to study and swim at a four-year university and major in English. While I’m not entirely certain yet of what career I would like, I know I would like to do something that allows me to work with and help others.
Thomas, Isabella
St. Joseph High School, 11
I plan to attend college to major in meteorology and minor in communications.
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.