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Washington Inspirational, mature, intelligent, caring, friendly — these are some of the adjectives used by teachers to describe this year’s crop of All-Star Achievers in Washington and Greene counties and the Mon Valley. Each of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s regional editions selected 10 high school seniors from their circulation areas and the public service staff chose 10 from Pittsburgh city schools and the Alle-Kiski Valley area. The 70 students, their parents and the teachers they select as having made the greatest impact on their education will be honored at a dinner in May at the University of Pittsburgh, which co-sponsors the program.Other Washington, Greene and Mon Valley area nominees were: Avella — Elena M. Cecchini, Amy Cline and Richard R. Tranquill; Belle Vernon — Sarah Beck and Leeann Rosnick; Bentworth — Clarissa Thompson; Bethlehem Center — Danielle Davidovich and Leslie Mylan; Brownsville — Andrea Barber; Burgettstown — Scott Alan Vallina; Charleroi — Stephen A. Stache Jr.; Chartiers-Houston — Francesca Cortese and Danielle Crispin; Fort Cherry — Julie Anne Caldwell and Leanne Michelle Libert; Frazier — Ryan Askey, Brett Boyle and Jenifer Jo Gallo; Jefferson-Morgan — Courtney Renee Johnston and Vanessa Fowler; McGuffey — Jessica Elizabeth Castora, Timothy Andrew Leonardi and Angela Lynn Marasco; Monessen — Aubrey Holmes, John F. Novicki Jr. and Desiree Yuhasz; Peters — Jennifer Peresie, Maura Eva Higgins and Ryan M. Flanigan; Ringgold — Samantha McVicker, George Stablein and Michael T. Williams; Trinity — Christopher Crowe, Andrea L. Falso and Stephen P. Healy; Washington — Brad Joseph Bissell and Margaret M. Pareso; Waynesburg — Amy Jo Fox, Jason Allen Levine and Rachel Otty; West Greene — Christina Barnhart and Kenneth McGowan. The winners are:
Belle Vernon Area Emily is involved in a dizzying pace of activities including the Halloween Parade at Western Center State Hospital, a bachelor auction at her high school to benefit the National Honor Society, writing to a prison pen pal, performing in the Rotary Christmas Show and feeding the homeless in Pittsburgh. But her most sympathetic act may have been her decision to raise more than $5,000 for a cancer-stricken friend.
Canon-McMillan Despite the adversity Jonathan has faced, including the death of his mom in a car accident last summer and 11 moves in four years, he maintains good grades and has been named to the honor roll four years running. He has received several presidential scholarships from colleges and universities and has helped with the Special Olympics. In a recent survey, teachers overwhelmingly named him the student who "worked hard to succeed."
Jefferson-Morgan Hannah is a real team player when it comes to academics. She’s participated on the Science Olympiad Team, the Academic League and the Knowledge Bowl. She also has worked on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, participated in Washington County’s clean-up campaign and is a World Vision sponsor and fund-raiser. Through all this, since she was 4, Hannah has helped care for a handicapped sister.
West Greene Adam ranks first in his class and plans to pursue veterinary medicine. He’s very active in the community, having volunteered for a St. Jude’s telethon, a Lion’s Club Adopt-a-Highway project and worked at a youth basketball camp. He also played Pat Gilbert in his school’s production of "State Fair" and devotes a lot of time to the Peer Helper program in which students work with fellow students facing personal problems. Bethlehem-Center Nicole, a National Honor Society member, has received a Pennsylvania Science Talent Award and competed in the Academic League. She received the MVP award at the Washington and Greene County Track and Field Coaches Meet by taking first place in the long and triple jumps. She also participated in a Habitat for Humanity project and, as president of student council, helped organize a blood drive at her school.
Fort Cherry No. 1 in his senior class, Christian has a 4.0 average. He helped start a recycling program, participated in Student Day of Caring, coached junior hockey, did volunteer work as a farmhand and worked with shut-ins. Christian lives on a 400-acre dairy farm. He lettered in cross country, had lead roles in two school plays, was team captain in a roller-hockey league and, among other activities, is an officer in the school environmental club.
Canon-McMillan Using time and talent to help others, Stephanie was the driving force in a Santa Fund program that raised $3,000 for 120 needy families. After a day of shopping, it took three football fields of paper and two miles of ribbon to wrap gifts. She did volunteer work for the Disabled Veterans Olympics. She sings at church, in school plays, and district and regional choruses, and performed the National Anthem at high school basketball games. Washington A National Merit finalist, Lisa took her school’s toughest courses, and attended Governor’s School for math and science. She edits the Youth to Youth Connection newsletter, works on a county-wide AIDS Awareness Day and works to convince students to delay sex. She also helped to develop the Peer Educator Program. She plays high school volleyball, is co-captain of the cheerleading squad, and has won many academic awards.
Canon-McMillan Headed to Harvard, Allison spent last year at Harvard Summer School and her photo is on the program brochure. She’s a National Merit finalist, was student ambassador in the United Kingdom and Ireland and made baskets for children at Children’s Hospital. She was captain and MVP of her cross country team, lettered in track, participated in fencing, was first flute in the band and volunteered at Carnegie Science Center.
Chartiers-Houston Concerned about the environment, Danelle founded a park committee, wrote grants for the park and supervised the entire project. She runs every day as a way to deal with her asthma. She has helped care for her mother who has breast cancer. She did shows for elementary students, performed Christmas carols in traditional Polish costumes and plays softball. She helped with a toy drive and plays bingo with senior citizens.
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