Nathan Aaron

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 9 Age: 15 Parents: Paul and Margie Aaron Academic achievements: Highest honor roll, Outstanding Achievement Award from the Board of School Directors, President’s Award for Excellence, Perfect Attendance, straight As for three consecutive years School activities: Wrestling varsity letter winner and all-county wrestler, varsity cross country team alternate for PIAA finals, track and field, Math League, jazz ensemble Community activities: Family Tyes fishing club, St. Elizabeth “Valentines” for the elderly volunteer, Baldwin Friends Book Sale volunteer, St. Elizabeth’s Donut Social volunteer, St. Elizabeth’s Christmas for the Shut-ins volunteer Goals: “I am very interested in the math and science areas. I plan on majoring in bio-engineering. Being that I’m only in the ninth grade, I haven’t chosen a college yet, but I have looked at many colleges including Pitt and CMU. When I retire, I would like to be a bus driver for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, so I can give back to the school for the great education it gave me.”

Funmi Adewale

School, grade: Moon Area High School, 11 Age: 15 Parents: Kolapo and Titi Adewale Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Academic Award of Honor: High Honors, National Honor Roll, student council, L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Academy School activities: Varsity tennis member, voted most improved player; Key Club; track and field; Youth for Christ; America’s Promise Representative: Allegheny County Community activities: Church nursery volunteer, Mile of Cans volunteer, African Christian Fellowship retreat coordinator, web coordinator at the Well: church youth group, Coraopolis annual flower planting volunteer Goals: “I believe that action is inspired by the communication of ideas of the masses: therefore, I intend to study journalism at Boston University in the fall of 2005. I will then attend New York University to earn a master’s and doctorate degree in the same field. In time, I hope to become the editor-in-chief of an influential magazine or newspaper. However, I plan first and foremost to continue sharing the love of Jesus Christ through volunteer work in my community and on mission trips. Serving Christ is the top priority in my life.”

Theresa Albertson

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 9 Age: 14 Parents: Bernadette Albertson Academic achievements: High honor roll, President’s Award for Excellence, Student of the Month School activities: Musical theater, student council, orchestra, marching band, leadership Community activities: Adopt-A-Highway volunteer, St. Elizabeth Church member, Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund volunteer Goals: “I plan to continue my involvement in the school’s marching band and continue to figure skate. After I graduate in 2007, I hope to attend Michigan University and major in pediatric care. When I turn 16 I will get a job and continue to contribute to the community. I plan to teach skating lessons as a part time job so I can help others and love my work.”

Stacie Aleski

School, grade: Chartiers Valley High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: John and Mercedes Aleski Academic achievements: Who’s Who Among American High School Students, President’s Award for Academic Excellence, Renaissance Club/honor roll, National Honors Society, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science second place regionals School activities: Scholar Athlete Award, varsity basketball letter winner and captain, varsity track letter winner and WPIAL qualifier, SADD, French Club Community activities: American Legion School Award, Citizenship Award, Our Lady of Grace School and Church volunteer, Bible school for Beverly Heights Church, organize Christmas donations for shelters or needy families Goals: “I am undecided as to where I am going to attend college. I intend to major in business/law and hope to become the CEO of a major corporation. Once in this position, I will use the resources of that position to better the community, just as Teresa Heinz has done so much for the Pittsburgh community.”

Stephanie Alward

School, grade: Keystone Oaks High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Gary and Lisa Alward Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America second place regionals, Scholar Athlete, highest honor roll, National Merit Scholar School activities: Yearbook editor-in-chief, SADD vice president, student senate, cheerleading varsity letter winner and senior captain, junior/senior planning committee Community activities: Part-time employee of Papermart, Keystone Oaks Area Youth Cheerleading coach and choreographer, March of Dimes volunteer, Race for the Cure volunteer, St. Margaret’s Church member Goals: “I plan to attend either Mercyhurst College or Bethany College in the fall of 2004 and major in advertising and minor in graphic design. I hope to become a valuable leader of the future and positively influence people with my work.”

Roma Amin

School, grade: Independence Middle School, 8 Age: 14 Parents: Jyoti Amin Academic achievements: Scored a 1220 on SAT as a seventh grader, distinguished honors, Calcusolve third place, Student Council Appreciation Award, Math Pentathlon Competition School activities: Scrabble tournaments school champion, editor and writer for sports section of school newspaper, peer tutor, Bethel Park Recreational Basketball Team, yearbook committee Community activities: South Hills Junior Orchestra active member; senator in school’s student government, raised more than $8,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation through various activities; member of committee that helped raise money for South Hills Interfaith Ministries; help with annual senior citizen turkey luncheon Goals: “Next year, as a freshman in high school, I plan on taking all honor classes along with accelerated Spanish. I plan on going on to college. My goal is to get into pre-med and end up becoming a neurosurgeon, therefore fulfilling my lifelong dreams.”

Nicholas A. Andes

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: John and Charlene Andes Academic achievements: Math League executive, National Honor Society vice president, Da Vincian Society charter member School activities: Marching/symphonic band drum major, stage band, spring musical, orchestra pit, Charlie Cowell in “The Music Man,” wind ensemble Community activities: Church usher, soccer coach Goals: “I have been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh and I plan to attend to study mechanical engineering.”

Michael Andreola

School, grade: Thomas Jefferson High School, 10 Age: 15 Parents: Michael and Eileen Andreola Academic achievements: Highest honor roll; Gold Medal and perfect score on National Latin Exam; received four first place awards, one second place, one third place, two fourth places and one fifth place at the Pennsylvania Junior Classical League State Convention; National Honor Society nominee; junior varsity academic league team captain School activities: Marching band tenor saxophone and sousaphone player; theater, played the steward in “Cinderella”; writer for The Statesman school newspaper; drama club and International Thespian Society; history club and science club Community activities: Boy Scouts, Life Scout with Troop 210; volunteer camp counselor, Cub Scout Day Camp; First Food and Friends Soup Kitchen and various food drives volunteer; St. Elizabeth Parish Chancel Choir member; played Herb in “Godspell” at Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church Goals: “I plan to continue pursuing excellence in my academic work and in extra-curricular activities. I plan to continue my studies of music and improve my skills. I plan to complete my Eagle Scout requirements by doing a project that will help integrate more fully disabled scouts into camping and other aspects of the scouting program. I hope to continue doing some volunteer work that serves the less fortunate. After completing high school, I plan to go to college and study music and/or language and literature.”

Leanna Assid

School, grade: Peters Township High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents: Edwin and Jane Assid Academic achievements: National Honor Society, high honor roll four years, three Character Counts awards, Student Citizen of the Month, Peters Township School District school board elected student representative School activities: Future Business Leaders of America, ski club, student council, yearbook staff, Students Against Drugs Community activities: Special Olympics athlete’s assistant, Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund benefit–Winter Carnival, Park and Recreation fund raiser–design and set-up of haunted trail, Washington County Food Bank Haunted Hallways, Make-A-Wish Foundation–organized fan mail and movie premiers Goals: “I am planning to attend the Ohio State University Honors Program as a scholar in the college of engineering. I hope to either further my education in graduate school for business or dentistry, depending on which focus in engineering I may take in my undergraduate studies.”

Katie Aston

School, grade: Carlynton High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Janet and David Aston Academic achievements: National Honor Society, student council secretary, high honor roll, student forum representative School activities: Varsity swimming letter winner, captain and WPIAL qualifier; varsity track letter winner, WPIAL qualifier and finalist and captain; high school chorus; high school girls’ ensemble choir; chemistry club Community activities: Relay for Life volunteer, Crafton Day Camp aide, Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Cultural Center Campaign volunteer Goals: “I plan to attend Edinboro University in the fall of 2004 and major in either physics or a field of chemistry. I also plan to join the swimming and track teams at Edinboro and finish my service in the Army National Guard.”

Bradley Bakalarski

School, grade: Thomas Jefferson High School, 10 Age: 16 Parents: Ronnie and Karen Bakalarski Academic achievements: Johns Hopkins University Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search State Award; high honor roll; National Junior Classical League, National Latin Exam–Maxima Cum Laude; Outstanding Language Arts Student Award School activities: Varsity football tackle, Junior Classical League, student council, school newspaper sports editor, student announcer Community activities: Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, Crossover church youth group, Flash Team–student leadership for youth group, Laurelville Church Camp student work crew Goals: “My personal goals for the future include attending the University of Pittsburgh to major in biology or pre-med. From there, I plan to further studies in pediatrics. I am quite interested in the perpertual progress that this field constantly undergoes and the opportunity to truly help another. I also strongly believe that the chance to watch a young child grow and develop is truly a rewarding and exciting profession.”

Wesley Baker

School, grade: Bishop Canevin High School, 10 Age: 15 Parents: Joseph and Maureen Baker Academic achievements: Student council homeroom representative, high honor roll, highest honor roll, Catholic Daughters 2003 first place art contest winner, Future Business Leaders of America 2004 second place in school competition and third in regional competition, Academic Team member School activities: Stage crew, soccer, founding member and treasurer of the first Junior Ancient Order of the Hibernians in Western Pennsylvania, Bishop Canevin recruiter for partner grade schools, Carlow College Youth Leadership Conference selected attendee Community activities: Boy Scouts Life Scout, assistant senior patrol leader, Ad Altare Dei Religious Award; founding chief squire of the Washington Area Squires of Colombia, bursar; Immaculate Conception Parish altar server; Pennsylvania Game Commission certified hunter; co-founder of “Groundhogs Forever” Hunting Club Goals: “After finishing high school, I will attend college for a degree in mechanical engineering. I would also like to join ROTC to hopefully graduate as an officer in the Army Rangers.”

Lauren Ballas

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: Kathryn and Robert Ballas Academic achievements: National Honor Society, highest honor roll, Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, National Latin Exam Bronze Medalist School activities: Marching band, wind ensemble, woodwind ensemble, T.I. Sparks, Math League Community activities: Overlook Green Assisted Living volunteer, “Shared Memories” program through T.I. Sparks Goals: “My future plans are to attend either Duquesne University or the University of Pittsburgh to major in pharmacy. In preparation for college I intend to continue working hard at my academic and personal pursuits throughout the rest of high school.”

Nicole Bamford

School, grade: Chartiers Valley High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents: Bill and Lorraine Bamford Academic achievements: National Honor Society, class president, Renaissance member, Student of the Grading Period, high honor roll School activities: Varsity soccer, dance troupe, SADD group leader, yearbook staff, Community activities: Short-term mission trips to Ukraine, Christmas toy distribution, homeless feeding program, Toyota Community Scholars Program semifinalist, volunteer youth dance instructor and member of the Salvation Army Church Goals: “I plan to attend college in the fall, with a possible major in social work or secondary education. In addition, I wish to continue volunteering with my church and working with children. I have been blessed with so much, and I want to give back to those who are in need.”

Cristina Marion Baraky

School, grade: Chartiers Valley High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Jim and Dora Baraky Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Student of the Grading Period, high honor roll, marine biology apprenticeship School activities: German Club member and vice president, varsity tennis letter winner, minor roles and set construction for school play, concert choir, submissions to school literary magazine Community activities: Neville House junior docent volunteer, St. Clair Hospital candystriper, sang at Kane Hospital for Christmas with concert choir Goals: “This summer, I am traveling to the German-speaking countries in Europe. In the fall, I will attend Gettysburg College with an undeclared major. I plan to be involved in clubs, community service and social life in college, and I hope to study abroad in my later years at Gettysburg.”

Nicholas Barone

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 10 Age: 16 Parents: Adam and Kathy Barone Academic achievements: Highest honors, President’s Education Award, Allegheny Intermediate Unit Calcu-Solve Bowl third place, Math League, Johns Hopkins University Talent Search distinction in math School activities: Stage band, marching band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, orchestra and school musical, Allegheny Intermediate Unit apprenticeship at Duquesne University for conducting Community activities: Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, Christmas carolling for charity, Pleasant Hills roller hockey Goals: “I plan on attending college and majoring in engineering. I enjoy music and hope to continue playing the trombone in college.”

Rebecca Jo Bayer

School, grade: Bishop Canevin High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: Jeffrey C. and Marcia Bayer Academic achievements: Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Kiwanis Academic Achievement Award, high honors School activities: Varsity girls soccer, junior varsity basketball, SADD, Interact, student council secretary, Pride Club Community activities: Appalachian Youth Work Camp, cancer relay, assistant grade school soccer coach, Little Lions instructional basketball and soccer coach, St. John Vianney Parish member Goals: “Plan to attend college (undecided) in the fall of 2005 to major in education or business.”

Jennifer Ann Bebout

School, grade: Peters Township High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents: Corrine and Thomas Bebout Academic achievements: National Honors Society bagel sale chairperson, four-year academic award winner, high honor roll, Citizen of the Month, invitation to National Student Leadership Conference School activities: Varsity volleyball captain, Academic Athletic Conference, SADD, yearbook committee, boys volleyball student manager, Community activities: High school library assistant, science and math tutor, French tutor, junior olympic volleyball, farm hand Goals: “In the fall of 2004, I plan on attending the University of Pittsburgh where I will major in math with a minor in computer science. In my fifth year, I hope to earn my teaching certificate. This summer, I plan on working as a camp counselor and a farm hand. After I graduate from college, I plan on working in the technology field or become a high school math teacher.”

Sarah Black

School, grade: Carlynton Junior/Senior High School, 10 Age: 16 Parents: Karen Black Academic achievements: National Honor Society; National Junior Honor Society treasurer; Future Problem Solving first place Allegheny County, third place in Pennsylvania, third place internationally; distinguished and high honor roll; model UN at Pitt, World Health Organization School activities: Varsity soccer starter, letter winner and Team Spirit Award winner; chorus; girls’ ensemble audition only choir; high school musical featured dancer; newspaper editor-in-chief Community activities: Relay for Life; UPMC Health Centers volunteer (Hillman Cancer Center); Sunrise Assisted Living Center, bingo caller every Monday night; Mr. Rogers’ sweater drive donator Goals: “I plan on furthering my education after high school at a four-year college. I would like to major in pre-medicine and attend medical school in hopes of pursuing my goal of being a geriatrician.”

Ryan Boron

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents: Kathi and Ed Boron Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish Club, student council School activities: Who’s Who Among American High School Students Community activities: Phantoms in the Park, Race for the Cure, altar server Goals: “I am committed to attend Penn State University Main Campus and study business at the school Smeal College of Business.”

Kelly Borra

School, grade: Upper St. Clair, 12 Age: 18 Parents: Dave and Tina Borra Academic achievements: National Honors Society, Student of the Year nominee, highest honor roll, high honor roll School activities: Majorettes captain, musical dancer and dance captain, SADD vice president, Natural Helpers executive committee and student leader, Youth Against Tobacco Community activities: Big Sister mentoring, Youth Steering Committee secretary, Girl Scout Summer Day Camp volunteer and leader, Young Life junior leader, Community Based Learning Goals: “I am attending Penn State University, Main Campus, in the fall of 2004. Studying at the school of visual arts with art education as my major, I hope to make an impact on my students just as my art teachers have impacted me. Also I plan on continuing with Young Life through college and hope to become a leader.”

Daniel Bowman

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: David and Margaret Bowman Academic achievements: Highest honor roll, National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students School activities: Special Olympics Community activities: First grade CCD teacher at Holy Angels Church, Jefferson Hospital volunteer, karate black belt, Pirate Fest volunteer, Clairton Sportsman’s Club Goals: “After completing high school, I plan to enroll into a university, where I will major in criminal justice and pursue a law degree.”

Sarah Boyd

School, grade: South Park High School, 11 Age: 17 Parents: Kathy and Glenn Boyd Academic achievements: Student council executive vice president, high honor roll, Academic League team, “Voice of Democracy” essay winner, Who’s Who Among American High School Students School activities: Interact Club member and board member, Rotary Student of the Month, symphony band, “Changes” member Community activities: Christ United Methodist Church youth choir member and youth group member, Staff Parish Relations Committee, Leadership Team, Girl Scout Troop 403 Silver Award Goals: “In the future, I plan to attend a private liberal arts college, majoring in education and religion. Through this, I hope to commit myself to sharing the values of faith and service with young people, influencing children in the same positive way that many individuals have influenced me. Furthermore, I desire to continue with a lifetime of reaching out to others, both locally and globally.”

Michael R. Bradburn Jr.

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: Mike and Mary Ann Bradburn Academic achievements: National Honor Society, highest honor roll, Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s gifted program–web design apprenticeship, nominated for Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Introduction to FBLA Principles and Procedures third place regionals School activities: Baldwin High School web page president, Future Business Leaders of America, bowling team, Parent Teacher Student Association member, staff writer and distributor of Purbalite newspaper Community activities: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church acolyte, Greater Pittsburgh Young American Bowling Alliance member, Special Olympics Summer Games volunteer, Baldwin-Whitehall Teen Center chaperone, youth basketball assistant coach Goals: “I aspire to attend an accredited four-year university and major in computer engineering. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I would like to pursue a career in computer programming and/or develop computer programs that would help corporations work smart and save money, while completing an accelerated master’s degree program.”

Brittany L. Breitweiser

School, grade: South Park High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Rich and Char Breitweiser Academic achievements: National Honor Society historian; president of sophomore, junior and senior classes; prom committee president; PASC District 3 Student Council Conference chair; Outstanding Young Citizen nominee School activities: Santa Grams chairman, chair of two food drives, chairman of homecoming elections, chair of freshman elections, Snowball Dance chair Community activities: Interact board member, East End Cooperative Ministries Soup Kitchen, Halloween decorating and Christmas caroling at nursing homes, Holy Family Institute Martin Luther King Day presentation, Center for Creative Play disabled assistance with crafts Goals: “Attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in speech pathology/hearing audiology. I plan to obtain my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in this field.”

Dana Buterbaugh

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents: Dave and Diane Buterbaugh Academic achievements: Student council secretary, Spanish Club vice president, National Honor Society, Math League, Da Vincian Society School activities: Who’s Who in World Languages, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, National Latin Exam Silver Medalist, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Outstanding Young Citizen, National Society of High School

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