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If you want a humbling experience, look at the accomplishments of the PG East’s list of All-Star Achievers. They are the best and brightest - well-rounded students who excel in the classroom and community. As high schoolers, they’re already doing genetic research or building houses for the poor. Based on their high-school performances, they will be the future leaders in whatever fields they choose. Other students nominated for the award were: Matthew Bochman, Plum; Dave Comstock, Penn Trafford; Erin C. McLaughlin, Riverview; Mala Misra, Plum; Richard O’Donnell, Hempfield Area; Nicholas Picarsic, Penn Trafford; and Kathleen L. Price, Plum. The East Allegheny, Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem, Jeannette, Norwin, Penn Hills, Woodland Hills, and Wilkinsburg school districts did not participate.
Riverview Maria is ranked second in her class despite taking mostly advanced-placement courses. She participated in cross-country, basketball and track and held offices in the National Honor Society, senior class, Spanish Club and student council. As a volunteer, she raised money for three charitable groups, helped at a senior citizens home, and tutors other students. She also is a church lector and volunteers with the Salvation Army. 
Ronald BabichPenn Trafford Ronald is a National Merit Scholar who ranks third in a class of 315 and has won numerous awards in math and science. At school, he was captain of the academic quiz team and vice president of the debate team. He is president of the Junior American-Carpatho-Russian Youth, a public service club, and has volunteered with the Variety Club and Penn-Trafford Interact. He also works as a computer technician for a private company.
Neeja Bakshi Neeja ranks in the top 4 percent of her class and has received the Tandy Scholars nomination and a gold medal in the National Latin Exam. She has worked with geneticists researching diabetes at UPMC and done independent research for five years. She has received five service awards for her work founding an American Red Cross chapter at her school and her work with food banks and nursing homes. She also played varsity tennis.
Jaime is a member of the National and Spanish honor societies and ranks in the top 5 percent of her class. She served as student council president and student representative to the school board. She volunteers with Special Olympics, the YMCA safety program, the Interact Club, and Operation Santa Claus to provide food for the needy. She also performed in the school musical and was feature editor of the school newspaper.
David Guthrie David is a National Merit Finalist and president of the National Honor Society who has served as captain of the quiz team. He placed fourth in a regional chemistry exam sponsored by the American Chemical Society. He has volunteered building homes for the poor, as a lector in his parish, and as assistant to the director of the parish bazaar. He also participates in theater and the the Westmoreland County Chorus.
Jeremy B. LaBuff Jeremy is a National Merit Commended Student who ranks first in his class. He also is a top runner, serving as captain of both the track and cross-country teams and being named most valuable runner on both squads. He is a volunteer tutor at school through the National Honor Society and active in his church as a teaching assistant for pre-schoolers and packaging items to be sent to the elderly, shut-ins, and college students.
Megan E. Romano Megan is a top student who has been nominated for the Outstanding Catholic Youth award. At school, she is a member of Students Against Drunk Driving, the Interact Club and has performed in three high school musicals. She is a leader in many church activities, and volunteers as a dance teacher at the YWCA and as occasional host and regular guest on the Catholic Youth Connection radio show.
Melis Sancaktar Melis is a National Merit Finalist who is ranked second in her class. She has received the Rachel Carson Book Award and the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. She also placed second in the entrepreneurship category in the regional Future Business Leaders of America competition. She was a project leader in the Key Club, helped coordinate a program on cultural diversity, and worked on various fund-raising campaigns.
Marc is a top student who has earned an Alcoa Scholarship and been chosen to attend the National Youth Leadership Conference. He participated in varsity baseball, track, cross-country, and basketball, serving as team captain in basketball and cross-country. He has been as an orientation leader at school, dressed as an elf to visit sick children at Christmas, and raised money for various community projects.
Mary Zuzik Mary ranks sixth in a class of 517 and has received the University Park Scholarship Award from the University of Maryland. She attended the Governor’s School for Teaching and is a top French student. She is an anchor and producer for the district’s television show, provides peer tutoring, participates in church activities, plays in the jazz ensemble, and had the lead role in the high school musical and other theater productions.
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