Ten high school seniors from public and parochial schools in western Allegheny County and southern Beaver County have been chosen by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as All-Star Achievers for 1999.

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 nominees and their schools in the PG West region are:

Ambridge Area — Casey Espey
Canevin Catholic — Robyn Defife, John Degory
Carlynton — Elizabeth Veri
Center Area — John Ranieri, Bria Walker
Chartiers Valley — Mark Losego, Thomas Pribicko
Cornell — Ryan Madonna, April McBain
Hopewell Area — Ryan Billiter, Jennifer Dobosh
Sto-Rox — Elliot Eubanks, Keatyn Jones

Monaca, Montour, Moon Area, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, South Fayette and West Allegheny high schools did not participate.

Donald has been a straight "A" student since first grade. His academic achievements have earned him membership in the National Honor Society, the gifted program and the honor of being class valedictorian. Donald is also accomplished in music, serving as president of the Band and Wind Ensemble and president of the chorus. He is a member of Gargaro's Good Vibrations, a traveling musical theater organization.

Laura, a National Honor Society member, has participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, where she took first place in the regional division and third place in state competition two years running. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and works with mentally challenged students as a member of Circle of Friends. As a junior and senior, Laura was elected treasurer and vice president of the Student Council.

Aaron, who ranks second in a class of 224, is Student Council vice president. He was selected for the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for Agricultural Sciences and received the school’s Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation Leadership Award during his sophomore year. He is a captain of the cross-country and swim teams and studies piano at Carnegie-Mellon University. Aaron has volunteered at St. Clair Hospital for two years.

Quinn is listed in "Who’s Who Among American High School Students." For the last four years, she has received the school’s Scholar/Athlete Award in swimming and soccer. Quinn has appeared in musicals, is a member of the band’s Cougarette Dance Team and has sung the national anthem at a Penguins hockey game. She’s volunteered for the Rotary Interact Club, Meals on Wheels, American Cancer Society and Salvation Army.

Maria is class valedictorian and a member of the marching, concert and jazz bands. In a national student drama competition, she was one of five finalists for her portrayal of Juliet in a scene from "Romeo and Juliet." Maria took first place in the Aliquippa Alliance essay contest and won a seat at District 5 Honors Band. Her volunteer work includes visits to hospitals and nursing homes and helping with clothing and food drives.

William is in the gifted program and has taken computer-related independent studies courses. He is president of the Technology Club, runs and maintains the district’s web server and gives computer lessons to club members. William has developed alternative methods to help him teach computer skills to a stroke victim. A singer and guitarist, he plays in a Christian rock band and enjoys waterskiing.

Bradley, a member of the National Honor Society, worked for six weeks for Habitat for Humanity and works many hours stocking shelves and packing lunches for Meals on Wheels.He is a three-sport letterman in baseball, golf and basketball and has volunteered at the Pittsburgh Senior Open Golf Tournament. He is a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Youth Group and has participated in food drives for the needy.

Audra has attended the 1998 Governor’s School for the Sciences and the Hugh O’Brien Leadership conference. A National Merit Finalist, she was chosen as the January 1999 Hopewell Lions Club Student of the Month. Audra has been a volunteer reader for elementary students in the Reading is Fundamental program, and has taught fifth-graders as part of the Environmental Discovery program. She coaches summer swimming and junior high volleyball.

Ryan, a National Honor Society officer, has made the honor roll the last three years and is listed in "Who’s Who Among American High School Students." He’s active in school theater productions and the Stage 62 acting troupe in Carnegie. Through the Rotary Interact Club, he has done volunteer work with senior citizens and the handicapped and has helped the Salvation Army distribute Thanksgiving food packages.

Marc is senior class president and staff editor of the school yearbook and newspaper. He has been a member of the Cornell Raider Marching Band, Drama Club, Concert Band and flag football team. His has participated in community cleanup campaigns, helped with Thanksgiving dinners for the needy and played taps at memorial services. During his senior year, Marc also took classes at the Community College of Beaver County.