Jan 13, 2024 By Paul Paterra 3 min read

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania recently introduced its 18 Under Eighteen class of 2024, which includes two students from Washington County.

Pat Weldon of Monongahela, a junior at Seton LaSalle High School, and Cassidy Griffith of Venetia, a senior at Peters Township High School, are among those honored for being some of the region’s most incredible young people.

“Our honorees represent talent and leadership in the region,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of JA. “Each year, we highlight students who symbolize a brighter future and challenge conventions with their fresh perspectives. It is truly motivating and inspiring to collaborate with students dedicated to enhancing our communities, country and the world.”

Weldon, 17, funded his service project Art for Heart, a card-making initiative in which more than 15,000 cards have been distributed to 18 facilities including nursing homes, hospitals and homes for nuns for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

He started Art for Heart during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then 13, he was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

“I realized the senior citizens were really isolated in their homes and didn’t have anybody visiting them,” Weldon said during a February 2023 interview. “I started handing out cards whenever I gave them their meals and they were pretty receptive to that.”

Weldon has won several community awards for his efforts.

Griffith, 18, has been involved in a number of projects such as spearheading and implementing her school’s recycling program and setting up houses for refugee families.

She also attended the University of Pittsburgh Health Career Scholars Academy where she took part in a poverty program simulation, a program she is working to bring to Peters Township High School for her peers to experience.

Griffith also volunteers with In-Stride Therapeutic Riding and previously studied at the Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Sciences where she was introduced to sickle cell anemia and gene editing, an area she continues to research to help those suffering from the disease.

Griffith plans to major in biomedical engineering, allowing her to continue to give back to others through health care.

According to a Junior Achievement press release, the class of 2024 features advocates, entrepreneurs, writers, engineers and change makers ranging in age from 11-18, representing Allegheny, Clarion, Indiana, Mercer and Washington counties.

The talent search covered western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

“The class of talented and highly impressive students exemplify what young adults across this region are working to build – a place where they can make an impact and a change in their communities,” said Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation, which sponsors the initiative. The 2024 recognition ceremony is set for Feb. 6 at the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium. Tickets to the event are on sale, with a virtual ticket option also available.

In addition to being honored at that ceremony, the 18 students are virtually attending the Intern to VP Professional Branding and Leadership Development Training Program presented by Moments of Focus LLC, where they’re learning the importance of personal branding, cross-divisional networking and professional development.

The honorees also are being featured on local billboards.