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North Region The brilliance of their accomplishments is magnified by the promise of their future. These are the PG North’s list of All-Star Achievers. They are the best and brightest – well-rounded students who excel in the classroom and the community. With interests ranging from music and dance to science and technology, these students plan to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, actors. As high-schoolers, they’re already doing scientific research or helping to build houses for the poor. Based on their high-school performances, they will be the future leaders in whatever fields they choose. The exemplary students profiled on this page were nominated by their schools and selected by Post-Gazette editors on the basis of academic excellence, extra-curricular activities and community involvement. They will join 60 other seniors from high schools in Pittsburgh and throughout southwestern Pennsylvania at an awards dinner May 12 at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. Other students nominated for the award were: Amber Lockawich, Quigley Catholic; Kristen Fisher, Seneca Valley; Joseph John, Fox Chapel Area; Patrick Dickinson, Shady Side Academy; Jonathan Cleborne, Fox Chapel Area; Bonnie Cox, Deer Lakes; Erin Irvin, Deer Lakes; Quincy Curry, Shady Side Academy; Jennifer Smith, North Hills; Stephen Obermeier, Hampton; Bradley Ayer, Quigley Catholic; Meghan Ott, Pine-Richland; Amy Miller, Seneca Valley.
David Affinito David, who has a 4.2 grade point av erage, has been a member of the National Honor Society and his school’s swim team. At the state championships, he finished second in the 200 freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle. David has volunteered his time in several projects, including soup kitchens, and has collected clothes for the homeless through the French Club. He plans to major in economics at Yale University.
Hampton Sarah, who is No. 1 in her class, has been pursuing a career in medicine. She has provided volunteer service for more than 90 hours at UPMC Passavant, aiding nurses and physical therapists. She has worked at a VA Medical Center and with her local emergency medical services unit. Sarah has been a valuable member of her school’s soccer, basketball and track teams, and has a 4.3 grade point average. Lisa Howard Deer Lakes Lisa has been in the top 10 percent of her class through high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society. Lisa participated in the S.O.S. program for three years by painting houses and cleaning the roads of her community. She also is a peer tutor for sixth-grade math students, and spent the holiday season collecting food for the West Deer Food Bank. Lisa has been active in music and drama.
Fox Chapel Area Bradley, who scored 1590 out of a possible 1600 on the SAT, wishes to develop computer software games. He has studied at Carnegie Mellon University, and he won the Bausch and Lomb Science Award and 1998 Harvard Book Award. A varsity athlete in football, wrestling and track, Bradley tutors at a group youth home. He plans to major in computer science at Harvard University.
Pine-Richland Maura is ranked third in her class and has taken the honors/AP college prep curriculum. She has received the Bausch and Lomb Science Award, Academic Excellence Award, Citizenship Award and Scholar-Athlete Award. Maura received the Volunteer Service Award from UPMC Passavant and volunteers at St. Sebastian vacation Bible school. She won the Elite All-American award for cheerleading and choreographed school musicals.
Shady Side Academy Meera was recently the recipient of the Sotak Award, which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated "generosity of spirit." While visiting India, she visited orphanages and charities; Meera wanted to see how aid could be better provided. She volunteers at Children’s Hospital and McMurray Hills Manor Nursing Home. She is studying to become a licensed pilot. Meera plans to major in English or biology.
North Hills Sarah is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist who ranks third in a class of 382 seniors. She tutors students in Spanish daily. Sarah is treasurer of the National Honor Society, president of American Field Service and she is an active member of the Hands for Service organization and the Science Club. Sarah is a reader in her church and teaches Bible school after church. She works at Fidelity Bank in the summer.
Northgate Valerie is ranked second in her class despite time spent helping others. Valerie has won the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence. She also is a volunteer at Suburban General Hospital and the Carnegie Science Center. She is a member of the marching band, concert choir, concert band, gifted and talented program, AIU Journalism Apprenticeship program at Point Park College, and has participated in three school musicals.
Quigley Catholic Ian wants to be a biologist or educator, and he’s already combined both. At the Heritage Reservation Summer Camp, Ian taught courses in environmental science and wilderness. He has volunteered his time for the McGuire Home, helping children with mental and physical impairments. He also speaks publicly and has performed in several school plays. Ian plans to study animal bioscience and education.
Seneca Valley Trent ranks in the top 5 percent of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society. He has participated in projects such as the blood drive, turkey drive and tutoring middle school students, and is a club member of Reach. Theater, music and writing are Trent’s focus and passion. He has earned three PSPA Keystone Awards for an entertainment column, and also writes plays and short stories. He has been in eight school productions.
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