Outstanding Young Citizens 2005

Nathan Aaron

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 10 Age: 16 Parents : Paul and Margie Aaron Academic achievements: Highest Honor Roll, President's Award for Excellence, National Student Leadership Conference, student of the week,citizenship award. School activities: Wrestling, cross country, track and field, math league, leadership representative. Community contributions: Family Ties Fishing Club, Baldwin Youth Wrestling Tournament, church activities. Goals: "I am very interested in the math and science areas. I plan on majoring in bio-engineering. After graduating, I would like to attend the University of Pittsburgh or 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."

Gunnar R. Aasen

School, grade: Mt. Lebanon High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents : Sherry Aasen Academic achievements: U.S.A. Swimming Academic All-American, National Honors Society eligible, Highest or High Honor Roll, National Latin Exam, Allegheny Mountain Swimming Academic All-American. School activities: Swimming, athlete of the month, orchestra. Community contributions: Lifeguard, Boy Scout, Battle of the Books coach, swim instructor, Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club. Goals: "I plan to attend a prestigious technical school somewhere on the East Coast and graduate with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and a master's degree in business while continuing to swim competitively. I plan to go into research, eventually start a global company and go into politics or invest in future technologies."

Wesley Aasen

School, grade: Mt. Lebanon High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents : Wyatt and Sherry Aasen Academic achievements: Allegheny Mountain Swimming Academic All- American, Honor Roll, National Latin Exam, National Honors Society eligible. School activities: Swimming, orchestra. Community contributions: Boy Scouts, lifeguard, Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club, Speedo Championship Series, swim instructor, mentor for swim league. Goals: "I plan on attending college and majoring in some field of engineering. I also plan on continuing to swim throughout college."

David Adley

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 9 Age: 15 Parents : Michael Adley Academic achievements: Academic Excellence Award. School activities: Orchestra, cross country, indoor track, qualified for Freshman Mile at Nationals. Community contributions: Joan Spicher Award, Boy Scout, church activities, Karate. Goals: "My future plans include attending a four year university and majoring in music production, law or journalism. I hope someday to work as a music producer, lawyer, or sports writer. Hopefullly, my job will take me somewhere with a warm climate. And of course my future plans include enjoying the next three years at Baldwin High School, achieving new heights in running and graduating in the Top 10 percent of my class."

Stacie Aleski

School, grade: Chartiers Valley High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents : John and Mercedes Aleski Academic achievements: National Honors Society, Presidential Youth Leadership Conference, Renaissance, student of the grading period, Scholar Athlete Award. School activities: Basketball, track, SADD, French club, varsity club. Community contributions: Church carnival booth manager, basketball team members make donation to shelter or needy family at Christmas, volunteer at basketball camps and clinics, American Legion School Award, National Honors Society Veteran's Day Celebration. Goals: "I plan to attend Carnegie Mellon University, graduate and make a real impact on the corporate community. I am interested in business administration and management, as well as political science and economics. As for career aspirations, I hope to quickly climb my way up the corporate ladder and make a difference in the company I am working for as well as the world."

Eric Andes

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 9 Age: 15 Parents : Charlene and John Andes Academic achievements: Math League. School activities: Marching and stage bands, musical, wind ensemble, woodwind ensemble, PMEA Junior District Band Festival. Community contributions: Soccer referee Goals: " I plan to go to college to study a health-related profession."

Leigh Argentieri

School, grade: Mt. Lebanon High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents : Paula Hopkins and Kenneth Argentieri Academic achievements: Cum laude Society, National Honor Society, scholarship from World Affairs Council. School activities: Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Student representative to South Hills Area School Districts Association, representative to Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils, student representative to Mt. Lebanon School District Board of Education's strategic planning c ommittee. Community contributions: Joan of Arc Medallion, Acolyte, Bishop's Medal for Acolyte Service, mission trips with church youth group, student tutor, recreational community softball. Goals: "My goals are to study psychology and Spanish in college so that in the future I may work as a licensed social worker. Through volunteering I've discovered that I want to dedicate my life to helping people, especially children and teens. I want to be able to reduce the stigma on counseling and bring help to those who are hesitant to seek it."

Jorie Bagnato

School, grade: Carlynton High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents : Frank Bagnato Academic achievements: National Honor Society, High Honor Roll, Scholar Athlete. School activities: Soccer, chorus, girl's ensemble, peer helper, musicals. Community contributions: Stage 62, Southwest Ballet, church choir, youth group, Relay For Life, Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Goals: "I plan to attend Wheeling Jesuit University in the fall. I am unsure of my major at this time."

Christopher Bahur

School, grade: Thomas Jefferson High School, 10 Age: 16 Parents : Daniel Bahur Academic achievements: National Latin Exam, National Latin Honor Society, school academic league, Invention Convention, Future Problem Solving, National Honor Society nominee, webmaster of gifted class website. School activities: Junior Classical League, certamen team, Commended Speaker Award in Westmoreland County's Model UN competition, student librarian. Community contributions: Volunteered on two political campaigns, fundraising to save community library, published essay cited in Washington Times. Goals: " I plan to participate in a dual major program in college for education and political science, My goal is to work for humanity: Through teaching I can educate the "Outstanding Young Citizens" of tomorrow, and through holding political office I can help make decisions that will positively impact the lives of thousands of people."

Lauren Ballas

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents : Kathy and Bob Ballas Academic achievements: Highest Honors, Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Westinghouse Science Honors Institute, National Latin Exam. School activities: Math League, DaVincian Society. Community contributions: Race for the Cure, nursing home volunteer. Goals: "I plan on attending Duquesne University in the fall to major in pharmacy."

Kaleigh Bangor

School, grade: Moon Area High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents : Kim and Paul Bangor Academic achievements: National Honor Society, National Ocean Science Bowl, National Consortium for Academics adn Sports Award, High Honor Roll, Scholar Athlete. School activities: Basketball, track and field, student council, biology club, cheerleading, concert and cantari choirs, L.E.A.D.E.R.S. Community contributions: Basketball camps and clinics, vacation Bible school.

Leanna Marie Barone

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 9 Age: 14 Parents : James and Esther Barone Academic achievements: Highest Honors, Presidential Award, Outstanding Achievement Award, award certificates for math, language arts, social studies and study skills. School activities: Student council, Spanish club, art exhibit, citizenship and leadership award certificates. Community contributions: Club Pride, nursing home volunteer during holidays, Red Ribbon Week and No Drugs Parade. Goals: "After graduation, I plan to attend college and major in the teaching profession. I want to be an elementary school teacher, possibly teach third grade level. I want to be able to teach the kids in a way they'll find the learning experience new and exciting."

Nicholas Barone

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 11 Age: 17 Parents : Adam and Kathy Barone Academic achievements: Highest Honors, National Honor Society, National Honor Roll, President's Award of Excellence, AIU Calc-U-Solve Bowl, Math League, PTA Reflections winner for literature. School activities: Bands, orchestra, wind ensemble, choir, AIU apprenticeships. Community contributions: Cystic Fibrosis Bowl-A-Thon and Great Strides fund raisers, instrumental and vocal performances for retired nurses and nursing home residents, Pleasant Hills Roller Hockey. Goals: "I plan on attending the University of Pittsburgh and majoring in Engineering. I also enjoy music, and hope to participate in the university music programs."

Rebecca Bayer

School, grade: Bishop Canevin High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents : Jeff and Marcie Bayer Academic achievements: Highest Honors, National Honor Society. School activities: Play, SADD, student ambassador, Student Council, Carnegie Art Heritage Award, soccer, basketball, pride club. Community contributions: Assistant coach of grade school soccer team, Appalachian work camp, Interact group. Goals: " Attend college to major in early and elementary education."

Jeannette Daly

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents : Mary Jo and Leo Daly Academic achievements: Mock trial team, National Young Leaders Congress, High Honors, National Honors Society, Math League. School activities: Swim team, orchestra, student council, special olympics, track, Summer in Europe with foreign language department. Community contributions: Co-head coach of Whitehall Waves Summer league swim team, altar server at church, piano player with Pittsburgh Music Academy chamber group, swim instructor. Goals: "I intend to major in chemistry in college and would like to become a pediatrician. I hope to continue coaching swimming to inspire others to become involved in the rewarding sport I love and enjoy. I also plan to pursue my love of music by playing piano throughout college and to become more involved in chamber music opportunities."

Zack Beisler

School, grade: South Allegheny Middle School, 8 Age: 13 Parents : Jack and Maria Beisler Academic achievements: Student of the month, High Honors, GATE program, Presidential Academic Excellence Award, Blue and Gold Award for math. School activities: Basketball. Community contributions: Church youth group, Cub Scouts. Goals: "Attend college, become a teacher (elementary/middle school), coach basketball, marry and start a family."

Nicollette Bevec

School, grade: Canonsburg Middle School, 8 Age: 14 Parents : Mr. And Mrs. Anthony G. Bevec Academic achievements: High Honors, published poet, gifted program. School activities: CHAMPS Award, Student Council, school play, cross country, track. Community contributions: Fundraiser organizer, made posters to welcome soldiers home from Iraq, collected food for needy at Thanksgiving. Goals: "I would like to pursue a career in law. I enjoy civics as well as writing and debate, so I think I would be successful in this profession. Also, my strong creative side combined with my interest in clothes may lead me into a career in fashion."

Brenna Bird

School, grade: Upper St. Clair High School, 10 Age: 16 Parents : Connie Bird Academic achievements: Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, Highest Honor Roll. School activities: Child care program, Panther Pride. Community contributions: YMCA Sunshine Camp volunteer, altar server at church. Goals: "I know for sure I want to help kids any way I can. I am considering psychology as a profession or becoming a plastic surgeon for deformed children. I also plan to have a family and raise my children in a healthy, loving environment."

Sarah Bobby

School, grade: Bishop Canevin High School, 11 Age: 17 Parents : John and Joyce Bobby Academic achievements: Highest Honors, certificates of scholastic excellence and outstanding achievement. School activities: Middle States Evaluation Planning Committee, Interact, FBLA, Basketball, SADD, volleyball, art. Community contributions: Scott Township recreation volunteer, church youth group and children's liturgy. Goals: " I plan to go to college, but my major is undecided as of now."

Kelly Boyle

School, grade: Keystone Oaks High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents : Linda and Edward Boyle Academic achievements: Highest Honor Roll, National Honors Society, National Society of High School Scholars, French club, student senate. School activities: Student newspaper, dance team, steel band, SADD, musicals, pep club. Community contributions: Daughters of the American Revolution, Jubilee Soup Kitchen, Holy Family Institute, altar server and lector at church, Caring team fundraising, finalist for Miss Teen of Pennsylvania. Goals: {I am going to study political science in college. After I complete my undergraduate degree, law school is a possible option. A law degree would enable me to become a lawyer or to get into politics. It is my dream to become a politician and to do some good for our country."

Daniel Bowman

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents : David and Margaret Bowman Academic achievements: National Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars, National Honor Society, President's Award for Academic Excellence. School activities: Special Olympics, Spanish club, Outstanding Achievement Award. Community contributions: CCD teacher at church, parish merit scholarship, hospital volunteer, Karate black belt, Race For the Cure, Pirate Fest volunteer, Teen Center chaperone. Goals: "At Duquesne University, I am going to study criminal justice. In this field of study, there are numerous employment opportunities where I can perform a duty that was meant for me to do. I believe it is my responsibility to be involved in a federal organization that will insure the safety of our nation and bring peace to our daily life."

Michael R. Bradburn Jr.

School, grade: Baldwin High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents : Mike and Mary Ann Bradburn Academic achievements: President's Award for Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Highest Honor Roll, AIU web design apprenticeship, Future Business Leaders of America regional competition. School activities: Web page, bowling, activities council, math league, newspaper, yearbook. Community contributions: Greater Pittsburgh Young American Bowling Alliance, chaperone at Harrison Middle School Teen Center, junior member of Baldwin Brentwood Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics Summer Games volunteer, church acolyte, youth basketball assistant coach. Goals: "I will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the Fall, working toward a bachelor's degree in computer science. I aspire to complete Pitt's computer science undergraduate and graduate programs in five years. Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a computer programmer, developing computer programs that would help my employer work smart and save money."

Lindsey Brewer

School, grade: Peters Township High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents : Karen and Christopher Brewer Academic achievements: High Honor Roll, academic award, National Honor Society, University of Richmond Book Award. School activities: Track and field, indoor track, video club, photography club. Community contributions: Library volunteer, community television volunteer, elementary school classroom assistant, Wesley Institute house tour guide. Goals: "I plan on attending a four-year university and majoring in journalism. I hope to attend law school after receiving my undergraduate degree."

Evan P. Browne

School, grade: Thomas Jefferson High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents : Pat and Jan Browne Academic achievements: High Honors, Rotary Student of the Month, National Honor Society, Scholar Athlete Award. School activities: Spanish club, football, soccer, tri athelete. Community contributions: Altar server at church, parish festival and fish fry volunteer, youth soccer instructor and referree, athletic reading program, Rainbow Soup Kitchen. Goals: " I will be attending Duquesne University and playing soccer and furthering my education by receiving a degree in business, followed by a law or master's degree."

Ashley Bryan

School, grade: Moon Area High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Beverly and Thomas Bryan Academic achievements: National Honor Society, student council, Key Club, LEADERS Academy, Math League. School activities: Dramas, musicals, Chamber Ensemble, PMEA Honors Chorus, Regional chorus, Odyssey of the Mind team. Community contributions: Mariner and Sycamore Creek nursing home volunteer, vacation Bible school singer, tutor, Mile of Cans, Special Olympics. Goals: Ashley will be attending Penn State University this fall as a freshman in their School of Arts and Architecture to pursue a master's degree in architecture.

Ashley Nicole Bucek

School, grade: Cornell High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Tammie Bucek Academic achievements: National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, highest honor roll, GATE program, Student of the Month. School activities: Cheerleading, basketball, track, marching band, concert band and soccer letterman. Community contributions: Western Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Association, Dee's Daycare, Neville Green, Audubon Sanctuary program, Girl Scouts. Goals: "I plan to attend a college of my choosing. I have applied to three colleges, and have been accepted into all three. Washington and Jefferson College, University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University have all offered scholarship money to attend there. Currently, I am leaning toward Washington and Jefferson College to major in physics and chemistry. I also plan to become a doctor by going straight through 10 years of schooling."

Ben Campbell

School, grade: Chartiers Valley High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: Brian Campbell Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Student of the Grading Period, Top Ten Scholarship winner and published poet for Creative Communications Inc., Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Workshops. School activities: Renaissance Club, Varsity Club, student council, cross country and indoor track letterman. Community contributions: Volunteer at St. Clair Hospital emergency department, Scott Park Recreation Summer Program, Scott Township Library and St. Simon and Jude Parish Festival; UPMC Nursing Apprenticeship Program and Fall Medical Explorers Program. Goals: "After I graduate, I plan to go to a 4-year university, where I can pursue a major in pre-medicine. With goals of becoming a doctor, I aspire to one day attend medical school. As of now, with my many experiences through volunteering, my interests in medicine are anesthesiology or radiology."

Christopher E. Cantwell

School, grade: Baldwdin-Whitehall High School, 12 Age: 18 Parents: John and Andrea Cantwell Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Math League, class secretary and treasurer, Da Vincian Society, National Latin Exam honorable mention. School activities: Varsity soccer letterman, varsity tennis captain and letterman, Special Olympics, Future Business Leaders of America. Community contributions: Century United soccer, Washington soccer, Baldwin baseball. Goals: "I plan to attend Allegheny College or University of Pittsburgh and major in economics, minor in mathematics, and then earn my master's in business."

Betsy Caprio

School, grade: Seton-La Salle High School, 11 Age: 16 Parents: Jim and Chris Caprio Academic achievements: Academic Excellence Award, highest honor roll, Student of the Month, National Honor Society, Summer Health Career Academy. School activities: Founder and leader of Rebels Reach Out volunteer club, class president, Environmental Club vice president, Diocesan Youth Council, Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference. Community contributions: Holy Family Institute, Light of Life Mission, Global Links, Marian Manor and Holy Family Convent volunteer. Goals: "Attend college and pursue a career in medicine, teaching or social service that involves helping others."

Christopher M. Carosella

School, grade: Upper St. Clair High School, 12 Age: 17 Parents: Nick and Donna Carosella Academic achievements: Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences competition regional and state winner, yearbook co-editor in chief, Pennsylvania Governor's School for Health Care selectee, Magee Womens Research Institute internship, KDKA Hometown High Q alternate. School activities: Orchestra, National Honor Society, National Merit Scholarship commended student, Student of the Year nominee, Williams College Book Award, student government class representative. Community contributions: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh carnival fundraiser, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, St. Louise de Marillac Church contemporary choir bassist, South Hills Interfaith Ministry, Upper St. Clair Township Library Summer Long Reading Program volunteer. Goals: "My current plans are to attend college, majoring in the biological sciences with an emphasis in neuroscience, attending medical school, and eventually pursuing a medical career. At this time, I have narrowed my preferred colleges to several, but have not yet made a commitment."

Scott Tyler Christopher

School, grade: Bishop Canevin High School, 12 <br