Italian-American Cultural and Heritage scholarship winners named
The Italian-American Cultural and Heritage Society of Washington County eight scholarships to area high school seniors. The awardees will be honored at a dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe May 19, along with this year’s Outstanding Italian-American honoree, the Rev. George DeVille. Tickets are available by calling Greg Guyton at 412-217-3894.
The scholarships, $3,000 each, are awarded through application of criteria that includes a one-page essay expressing their insights as a member of an Italian-American family; academic achievement; leadership and a strong recommendation by a school staff member or official.
Cameron Joseph Bunner, Canon-McMillan High School, ranks first in his graduating class. He is a National Merit Commended Student and AP Scholar, and received the PHEAA Certificate of Merit for ACT/SAT performance. He is a member of the National and German Honor societies. He also belongs to the Math, Chemistry, Science and Future Medical Professionals clubs. Cameron is a member of the Golf Team and plays ice hockey, and was named a PAHL Academic All-Star. He plans to attend Case Western or Penn State majoring in biomedical engineerin. He is the son of Matthew and Kimberly Bunner and resides in North Strabane Township.
Alexandra Rose Cilia, Avella Area High School, ranks second in her class, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Academic Team, and 4-H Club. She is captain of the varsity volleyball team and plays varsity basketball. Alexandra has served as class president each year from seventh to 12th grade. She plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant by attending St. Francis University. Alexandra is the daughter of Christopher and Alyssa Cilia and lives in Avella.
Ashley Elizabeth Cunningham, Burgettstown Area High School, received the President’s Award for Education and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a participant in the Pa. Academy of Science she has won two first places and a second and third place in competition during the past three years. She has also participated in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Science Olympiad. Ashley is a member of the Yearbook Staff, varsity cheerleading squad, Hope Club, Ski Club, Prom Committee and is treasurer of her senior class and president of the Physics Club. By will attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she will pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. She is the daughter of Michael and Susan Cunningham and resides in Burgettstown.
Jasmine Davis, Canon-McMillan High School, is a member of the marching, symphonic and concert bands. She has held leadership positions as squad leader, librarian, field conductor and drum major within the marching band. She is a member of the Spanish Club, National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She plans to become a mechanical engineer, and will attend California University of Pennsylvania. Jasmine is the daughter of David and Jennifer Davis and resides in Cecil Township.
Madelyn Ann Koontz, Ringgold High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, The Future is Mine Club, the Science Olympiad Program, Ringgold Harp Ensemble, as well as the varsity swim and tennis teams. Madelyn serves as the Athletic Training Club treasurer, Interact president and class treasurer. She will pursue a career as a pediatric surgeon, and will attend Penn State University, majoring in biology. Madelyn is the daughter of Kristen Koontz and lives in Carroll Township.
Joshua Antonio Zeisloft, Peters Township High School, is a National Merit Commended Scholar and National AP Scholar. He is vice president of the FBLA, and a member of the FIRST Tech Challenge Team, serving as lead programmer and mentor. The FIRST Challenge Team known as STEEL Serpents Robotics advanced to super-regional level three times as well as multiple statewide awards. Joshua is also a member of the track and field team, National Honor Society, Speech and Debate Team, and Technology Student Association, in which he placed first in state competition. Pursuing a career as a mechanical engineer, Joshua will attend Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in rngineering. Joshua is the son of Eric and Roxanne Bogo Zeisloft, and resides in McMurray.
Julia Elizabeth Faust, Trinity High School, is first in her class and as AP Scholar with Distinction, has also been granted a Carson Scholarship and received the Harvard Prize Book award, given by Harvard University alumni to the top-performing students around the world. Julia has also received the PTA Academic Excellence Award as well as the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She is a member of the Academic League, Math League, S.T.E.A.M Team, SADD, Youth Traffic Safety Council and German Club. She is also a member of the varsity swim and tennis teams. She is president of the National Honor Society, Leadership Committee and student representative to the school board. Julia will attend Penn State University Schreyer Honors College as a biochemistry and molecular biology major with the goal of becoming a surgeon. Julie is the daughter of Michael and Stephanie Faust and lives in South Strabane Township.
Megan Elizabeth Joos, Canon McMillan High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, Chemistry Club, French Club, Future Medical Professionals Club, Society for Exceptional Citizens Club, Student Council and varsity soccer team. She is the French Honor Society treasurer, class treasurer, a lead mentor and student representative to the school board. With plans of becoming a physician, Megan will attend the University of Alabama as a biology major. Megan is the daughter of William and Nicole LoGreco Joos, and resides in Canonsburg.