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Disciplined and capable" and "wonderfully optimistic" are accolades heaped on two of this year’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette South All-Star Achievers. Yet those descriptions fit all of the 10 students selected for their exemplary academic standing, extracurricular achievements and volunteer work in their communities. Other plaudits included "motivated leader," "humane and compassionate" and "governed by high personal values." Each of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s five regional editions selected 10 high school seniors from its circulation area and the public service staff chose 10 each from Pittsburgh city schools and the Alle-Kiski Valley area. The 70 students, their parents and the teachers they select as having made the most impact on their education will be honored at a dinner May 12 at the University of Pittsburgh, which co-sponsors the program. PG West All-Stars included Laura Huth from Canevin and Aaron Lee from Chartiers Valley. Other South suburban nominees were: Baldwin — Jaclyn Gelzheiser; Bethel Park — Bethany Balta; Brentwood — Melissa Milanak; Canevin — Robyn Defife and John Degory; Chartiers Valley — Mark Losego and Thomas Pribicko; Clairton — Michelle Fekety; Duquesne — Brian Johnson and Autumn Milton; Elizabeth Forward — Elizabeth Horvath and Ryan Walk; Keystone Oaks — Sherrie Divito and Matthew Miller; McKeesport Area — Amanda Leckman; Mt. Lebanon — Adam Engberg, Margaret Hagan and Elizabeth Valentine; Peters — Ryan Flanigan, Maura Higgins and Jennifer Peresie; Serra Catholic — Jessica Benson; Seton-LaSalle — Jennifer Caputo, Joseph Feduska and Brian Staub; South Park — Tita Atte and Emily Shearer; Thomas Jefferson — Michael Jura, Andrew Levine and Lauren Summers; Upper St. Clair — Lauren Purnell, Elizabeth Scheib and Ashish Shah; West Mifflin – Gemma Davis. South Allegheny, South Fayette and Steel Valley did not participate. South Park A steady honor roll student, Suzanne is "a motivated leader who brings out the best in everyone around her." She coordinates community service activities for 300 students as co-president of Interact, the Rotary International high school group. She is Miss Majorette of Pennsylvania, a top finalist for Miss Majorette of America and was a "twirling ambassador" to last summer’s 47th International Festival De La Primevera in Peru. 
Donald BittersKeystone Oaks Donald, a high honor roll student, has a nearly perfect attendance record. He has volunteered more than 600 hours to the Keystone Oaks Web page as its chief developer and content manager. He also has devoted more than 300 hours of service to the Community Library of Castle Shannon, St. Anne School-Church Carnival and the Castle Shannon Firemen’s Carnival. At Kane Hospital, he takes patients into chapel for mass.
Baldwin Nicholas, a highest honor roll student since his freshman year, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Westing-house Science Honors Institute. He is the award-winning drum major of the Highland Marching Band, plus a talented singer,clarinet player, published poet and dedicated community volunteer. Nicholas plans to attend Miami University of Ohio and would like to become a veterinarian.
Bethel Park Surabhi, ranked first in her class, is "a role model and student-athlete." She is a National Honor Society member, a National Merit Scholar, winner of a Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and was a nominee for the Radio Shack-Tandy Scholarship. Surabhi also is a four-year varsity tennis player and team captain, and has been active in student government. She aspires to a medical career, but also is interested in law.
McKeesport Ranked second in a class of 360, Charlotte is a Rotary International student and National Honor Society member. She also is editor in chief of the school yearbook. She volunteers at Kane Hospital, St. Patrick Parish Youth Group Social Services, Greater Pittsburgh Food bank and Special Olympics. She is a marine biology apprentice at Pittsburgh Zoo, a member of the school marching band and a varsity swimmer.
Heather Greco Elizabeth Forward Heather, who has maintained a 4.0 QPA throughout high school, heads the National Honor Society at Elizabeth Forward. Her community service includes painting murals with elementary students in the elementary rooms. She also participated in Rotary Interact road cleanups, Christmas caroling and distributing gifts at nursing homes. Heather is a varsity soccer, basketball and softball player and student council member.
Jennifer JulianClairton Jennifer, an exemplary student, ranks third in her class. A National Honor Society member, she has won a Point Park College academic scholarship and a Point Park community service and leadership award. She is a majorette, "Honeybear" Dance Team captain, a vocalist in annual school concerts, a pianist and dance instructor. Jennifer has performed in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Benedum Center.
James Madine This class valedictorian was awarded a $40,000 scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at the end of his junior year. He also received an award as his school’s best math and science student. He is active in Church Youth Group, Boy Scouts and Canoe Trails. James is first chair in the French horn section of the high school’s symphonic band. He wants to study chemical engineering and pursue a career in that field.
Alex Mezhinsky Alex, who immigrated from Russia with his family at 11, is a straight-A student often recognized for his academic prowess. He has been an altar server at Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church, a coach in the Baldwin-Whitehall Soccer Association, a peer tutor and freshman orientation guide and frequent community volunteer. A four-year varsity soccer player, he is now captain of that team. He also lettered in volleyball.
Logan
Mills As valedictorian, Logan has a 4.0 grade average and is viewed by her physical education instructor as one who "tries to excel in everything, no matter what the odds." She holds National Merit and Rachel Carson Book awards, became a McDonald’s manager at 16 and has been a cheerleader, dance squad member and guest performer with the McKeesport Symphony. Logan also has volunteered for many community service projects.
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