RAINIER REPORTS on the sights and sounds of kids and teens navigating life in the Burgh, and all the hype!

The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) is proud to recognize the recipients of the 34th annual WPIAL James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award, with 20 candidates (10 male, 10 female) selected from a group of 158 nominees. 

Each winner is awarded a scholarship of $1,000 to attend the college of their choice. This year’s group brings the amount of scholarship money given by the WPIAL to its James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award recipients to $759,000 since 1992.

The 20 winners are listed below, as well as an overview of each recipient’s varsity career.

2025 WPIAL James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award Winners

Male Recipients

Female Recipients

Tyler Biss (Beaver)

Tori Atkins (Laurel)

Milo Chiu (Fox Chapel)

Alison Chalovich (Thomas Jefferson)

Shane Cornali (Fort Cherry)

Alexandra Hoffman (Greensburg Central Catholic)

Bradley Gompers (Central Catholic)

Giona Lavorini (Knoch)

Bradan Lenz (Pine-Richland)

Joelle Ludwick (Montour)

Colton Lusk (Peters Township)

Joyce Olawaiye (Quaker Valley)

Luke Miller (South Fayette)

Briana Ross (Springdale)

David Mutter (Mt. Pleasant)

Cassidy Trahan (Serra Catholic)

Ryan Petras (Bethel Park)

Grace Trimmer (Uniontown)

Braiden Sudor (Bishop Canevin)

Abby Tucker (Canon-McMillan)

Tori Atkins (Laurel) – 4.001 GPA … Earned nine varsity letters across basketball, track & field, and volleyball … Captained both the track & field and volleyball teams as a senior … Garnered three WPIAL track & field gold medals each in the 200 and 400-meter dashes and a silver as a sophomore in the 100-meter dash … Won a gold, silver, and bronze in the 400-meter dash at the PIAA Track & Field Championships and owns a total of seven PIAA medals … Established a new WPIAL championship meet record last year in the 400-meter dash at 55.54 seconds … Has numerous Laurel school records in the 100, 200, and 400-meter dashes, and the 4x100-meter relay … Claimed a WPIAL basketball silver medal as a sophomore … Named All-State by the Pennsylvania State Track & Field Coaches Association (PSTFCA) as a junior … Served on National Honor Society and Varsity L Club as a junior and senior … Named homecoming queen as a senior … Plans to study early childhood education and compete in track & field at Youngstown State University

Tyler Biss (Beaver) – 4.175 GPA … Collected nine total varsity letters, winning four in track & field, three in cross country, and one each in soccer and unified bocce … Captained the track & field team twice and the cross country team as a senior … Helped lead Beaver to a pair of team runner-up finishes as a junior and senior at the WPIAL Cross Country Championships, and two section titles … Named All-WPIAL twice and All-Section three times in cross country … Qualified for the RunningLane Cross Country Championships and Nike Cross Nationals Northeast Qualifier … Owns the school record in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, achieving that as a junior … Received the National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation … Member of National Honor Society, Student Technology Assistance Program, Best Buddies, and Stage Crew for the school musical … Given his time to The Center of Midland, Shepherd’s Heart, Beaver Area School District Day of Giving, and to church youth group service projects … Plans to study computer science and compete for the cross country and track & field teams at Allegheny College

Alison Chalovich (Thomas Jefferson) – 4.477 GPA … Claimed six total varsity letters, with four in softball and two in volleyball … Captained the softball team as a junior and senior, and captained volleyball this past season … Helped lead Thomas Jefferson to the PIAA softball title as a junior and won section titles in each of her four years with the volleyball team … Garnered All-Section honors in softball as a sophomore and junior … Served in French Honor Society for three years, including two years as president, and National Honor Society for two years … Member of the Society of Women Engineers, TJ vs. Cancer, Big Jag Little Cub, AP Humanities, History Club, Pep Club, and Best Buddies … Assisted with Homecoming Committee for three years … Volunteered her time to numerous causes, including Thomas Jefferson’s annual blood drive, Kids Camp for softball and volleyball, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, TJ vs. Cancer car wash fundraisers, and to the football program as a statistician … Plans to study biomedical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Milo Chiu (Fox Chapel) – 4.44 GPA … Collected 12 varsity letters over his varsity career, earning four each in soccer, track & field, and wrestling … Captained the soccer team as a senior, helping lead Fox Chapel to the WPIAL title … Garnered All-State honors in soccer as a senior … Named All-WPIAL in soccer twice and Section Player of the Year as a senior … Placed second in the section wrestling tournament as a junior, and third as a sophomore and senior … Earned the Fox Chapel Wrestling QPA Award twice … Member of the National Honor Society for three years and Math Honor Society for two … Received the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Certificate of Merit and AP Scholar with Distinction, and is seeking a third Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team nod … Served as the Student Council secretary, Fox Chapel student ambassador, Earth Day volunteer, and at the Second Harvest thrift store … Plans to study engineering or computer science with an additional focus in business or economics

Shane Cornali (Fort Cherry) – 4.3 GPA … Won 14 varsity letters over his varsity career, earning four each in basketball, football, and track & field, and two in baseball … Captained the baseball, basketball, football, and track & field teams as a senior … Helped lead Fort Cherry to back-to-back WPIAL football championships, and won WPIAL and PIAA track & field gold in the 4x100-meter relay as a junior … Contributed to seven section championship teams, winning three in baseball, two in football, and on each in baseball and track & field … Owns school records in basketball (single-season steals), football (single-season and career interceptions), and track & field (4x100-meter relay), and was a 1,000-point scorer … Selected for the 2025 Pennsylvania Football All-Star Game … Member of STRIVE, Future Farmers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Varsity Club, and Peer Jury Team for four years, and National Honor Society for three … Volunteered his time to Hickory Apple Festival, McSummerfest, Fort Cherry Junior Olympics, and Fort Cherry Youth Basketball and Football … Plans to study physical therapy and play football at Wheeling University

Bradley Gompers (Central Catholic) – 4.97 GPA … Collected three letters in football and two letters in basketball … Captained the football team as a senior, helping lead it to the WPIAL championship … Captured a WPIAL basketball title as a sophomore and three section titles between the two sports … Participated in the Navy All-America Football Game and selected to the PSFCA Big 33 Game … Named All-State, Pittsburgh Post Gazette Fabulous 22, Pittsburgh Union Progress All-Star Team, and received Player of the Year honors from the Post-Gazette, PUP, and KDKA Radio … Garnered an All-Section and All-Conference nod as a junior in basketball … Member of National Honor Society, Lasallian Ministry Executive Board, and Big Brothers, and is a four-year Viking Ambassador … Received honors convocation for three straight years … Volunteered at Central Catholic Youth Basketball and Football Camps, as a National Honors Society tutor, at Red Door, Br. Andre’s Café, St. Louise Fish Fry, and the Pittsburgh Marathon … Plans to study economics and play football at Duke University

Alexandra Hoffman (Greensburg Central Catholic) – 4.387 GPA … Garnered eight varsity letters between the tennis and track & field teams … Served as a two-year captain for the tennis and track & field teams … Earned WPIAL track & field gold as a freshman in the 4x100-meter relay, silver in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles as a junior, and bronze in the 100-meter hurdles as a sophomore … Finished second in the WPIAL and fourth in the PIAA in tennis doubles competition as a junior … Won three section singles championships in tennis … Owns school records in the indoor 60-meter hurdles, outdoor 100-meter hurdles, and outdoor 4x100-meter relay … Elected into the Robert “Tick” Cloherty Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame … Member of National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and French Honor Society … Named to the College Board National African American Recognition Program, and earned the Woman in Science Award from Seton Hill University, Rensselaer Medal from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Katherine Mabas McKenna Foundation Scholarship from Bucknell Engineering Camp … Provided her time to numerous causes and organizations, including Westmoreland County Food Bank, Light of Life, Caring Hospice, and HEAL Animal Shelter … Organized a 5K fundraiser walk for Light of Life’s Homeless Shelter … Plans to study emergency medicine and compete on the track & field team at the University of Chicago

Giona Lavorini (Knoch) – 4.4 GPA … Earned four varsity letters with the swimming & diving team and was its captain as a senior … Won back-to-back WPIAL titles in the 100 breaststroke as a junior and senior, a silver medal in that event as a sophomore, and a pair of bronzes in the 200 individual medley … Captured PIAA top-three finishes in the 100 breaststroke, winning it as a junior, finishing second as a senior, and third as a sophomore … Claimed All-State honors in the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley, and National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association All-America accolades as a junior … Owns school records in the 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, and 200 individual medley … Qualified for the Toyota U.S. Open National Championship and TYR Pro Championships in swimming, and was less than a second shy of making the Olympic Trials … Served on the National Honor Society for two years and Friends of Rachel Club as a junior … Played violin with Knoch’s Chamber Strings Ensemble for four years … Plans to study biology on a pre-dental track and compete on the swimming & diving team at the University of Pittsburgh

Bradan Lenz (Pine-Richland) – 4.47 GPA … Earned two varsity letters in football and also played three years of baseball … Captained the football team as a senior … Helped lead Pine-Richland to three section titles, WPIAL championships as a sophomore and senior, and a PIAA crown as a sophomore … Named the All-Academic Gold Team three times, All-Conference twice, and to the All-State First Team as a senior … Served on National Honor Society, Student Government, and Best Buddies … Garnered National Merit Scholar and AP Scholar accolades as a senior … Elected as class secretary as a junior and class treasurer as a senior … Volunteered his time to Pine-Richland Youth Football and Cheer, Harvest Street Mission, The Education Partnership, Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA, Stuff A Bus, and Leukemia Lymphoma Society Student Visionary of the Year Campaign … Founded a landscaping business in April 2023 … Plans to study neuroscience in college

Joelle Ludwick (Montour) – 4.837 GPA … Collected 11 varsity letters, four each in cross country and indoor track & field, and three in outdoor track & field … Captained the Montour cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field teams … Helped Montour win two WPIAL cross country team titles as a freshman and sophomore, the PIAA team crown as a freshman, and four undefeated section championships … Won three medals at the MAC Conference Championships, and one at the TSTCA Championship Race … Owns Montour’s second fastest times in the indoor 1,600-meter run, 1-mile run, 3,000-meter run, and 3,200-meter run, and the third fastest cross country 5K time … Garnered the PHEAA Certificate of Merit, and merit scholarships from Allegheny College, Case Western Reserve University, and Penn State University Schreyer Honors College … Served as public relations coordinator for the National Honor Society Executive Board and Best Buddies Executive Board … Volunteered for “Letters of Love” Organization, Christ Church at Grove Farms, Benjamin Benefit Foundation, “Miracle League” of Moon Township, and Montour Middle School Indoor Track & Field … Plans to study medicine in college

Colton Lusk (Peters Township) – 4.7 GPA … Lettered each of his four varsity seasons with the Peters Township golf team, and served as captain for three years … Won the WPIAL individual title at Oakmont Country Club as a senior, and helped guided the team to WPIAL and PIAA championships as a junior … Collected an individual section medalist honor as a junior and four team titles … Named All-Section, All-WPIAL, and All-State as a sophomore, junior, and senior … Owns school records for nine-hole round lowest score, lowest single-season scoring average, and lowest career scoring average … Served on National Honor Society as a junior and senior … Volunteered at the church, animal shelter, food drive, and coat drive, and was an assistant coach at the KJGA Golf Academy … Attended a leadership summit at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh … Plans to study at Siena College and compete on the golf team

Luke Miller (South Fayette) – 4.5203 GPA … Won eight varsity letters, claiming four in outdoor track & field, three in indoor track & field, and one in cross country … Finished sixth at the WPIAL Track & Field Championships in the 4x400-meter relay as a junior … Qualified for the New Balance Indoor Nationals in the 4x400-meter relay as a senior … Helped lead South Fayette to a section title as a sophomore in outdoor track & field … Owns school records in the indoor 400-meter dash, 4x200-meter relay, 4x400-meter relay, and the outdoor 4x400-meter relay … Member of the National Honor Society, Science Bowl, and Quiz Bowl … Won the Regional Quiz Bowl as a senior and was twice runner-up in the Regional Science Bowl … Given his time to Feed the Starving Children, South Fayette Basketball and Track Camps, Pittsburgh Marathon, National Honor Society tutoring, Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive, and Allegheny County Polls … Played trumpet in concert band for two years and in wind ensemble as a junior and senior … Plans to study chemical engineering at Pennsylvania State University

David Mutter (Mt. Pleasant) – 4.0 GPA … Lettered four straight years for the Mt. Pleasant swimming & diving team … Captured five gold, three silver, and a bronze medal at the WPIAL Swimming & Diving Championships, winning as a junior and senior in the 200 medley relay and 100 butterfly, and a triumph in the 500 freestyle as a senior … Took home five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals at the PIAA Swimming & Diving Championships, collecting back-to-back wins in the 200 medley relay and 100 butterfly as a junior and senior, and a victory in the 500 freestyle as a senior … Established a new WPIAL championship meet record in the 200 medley relay and 100 butterfly as a junior, and broke his own butterfly record as a senior … Set a new PIAA championship meet record in the 100 butterfly as a junior … Helped lead Mt. Pleasant to the PIAA team title and WPIAL team runner-up spot as a senior … Garnered All-America honors in swimming & diving … Plans to continue his studies in college and compete in swimming & diving, originally was set to compete for Alabama following graduation before the SEC and NCAA trimmed roster sizes due to House vs. NCAA

Joyce Olawaiye (Quaker Valley) –  (pictured right) 4.50 GPA … Won eight varsity letters, claiming four each in tennis and track & field … Captained the tennis team twice and the track & field team as a senior … Collected gold as a junior and silver as a sophomore in the triple jump, and bronze as a junior in the 4x100-meter relay at the WPIAL Track & Field Individual Championships … Placed second in the triple jump as a sophomore at the PIAA Track & Field Championships … Helped lead Quaker Valley to three consecutive WPIAL track & field team crowns … Won a pair of section team championships and a WPIAL team runner-up effort in tennis … Qualified for New Balance Nationals in indoor and outdoor competition … Owns the school record for the triple jump, setting it as a sophomore … Earned the Western PA Girls’ Tennis Sportsmanship Award in 2023 … Member of National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Math League, Pennsylvania Personal Finance Challenge, Black Student Union, Culture Alliance, Robotics Club, Mock Trial, Orchestra, Choir, and Student Council … Received the SMART Certification from Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy … Serves on executive board for Black Student Union and is the Student Council president … Volunteers for Victory Family Church Children’ Ministry and Pittsburgh Area Friday Professionals Organization … Plans to study science and compete on the track & field team at Brown University

Ryan Petras (Bethel Park) – 4.2 GPA … Claimed eight varsity letters, earning four each in baseball and football … Captained the baseball team twice and football as a senior … Helped lead Bethel Park to a PIAA baseball title as a freshman and two section crowns, as well as a football section championship as a sophomore … Named an All-State selection in both baseball and football, winning two in the latter … Received honors such as Allegheny Six Offensive Player of the Year in football three times, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review  Class 5A Player of the Year andPittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Area in baseball as a junior, and The Almanac All-Stars in football three times … Qualified for the Adidas Indoor Nationals in track & field as a sophomore … Owns school records in football (career catches and receiving yards) and baseball (career stolen bases) … Member of National Honor Society, Student Leadership Committee, and Best Buddies … Volunteered for a yearly clean-up of Lions Park, as a counselor at Bethel Park Baseball and Football Youth Camps, concession worker at Bethel Park Baseball Association, and as an assistant coach for the Bethel Park youth basketball team … Plans to study business and play football at Duquesne University

Briana Ross (Springdale) – 4.0 GPA … Lettered each of her four varsity seasons with the Springdale soccer team, serving as a captain as a senior … Helped lead Springdale to the WPIAL title and a PIAA runner-up finish as a senior, as well as three section championships … Garnered All-State honors as a senior, three All-WPIAL accolades, and four All-Section plaudits … Scored 100 career goals in her high school career … Member of Steel City FC … Served on National Honor Society, L.A.U.N.C.H Women in Stem Program, Society of Women’s Engineering SWE, Student Council, Biology Club, Key Club, History Club, Students Against Drunk Driving, Spanish Club, and Prom Committee … Held the president position for Students Against Drunk Driving for three years and Biology Club for two years … Volunteered her time to Lower Valley Food Bank and recycling efforts with Biology Club, and organized a team car wash fundraiser for four years … Plans to study and play soccer at Pennsylvania State University at Erie, The Behrend College

Braiden Sudor (Bishop Canevin) – 4.32 GPA … Won a total of 12 varsity letters in the sports of football, track & field, and wrestling … Captained the Bishop Canevin football team and Carlynton wrestling team for three years each … Helped lead Bishop Canevin football to a WPIAL championship as a freshman, and won a section individual title in wrestling as a sophomore … Garnered All-State honors as a senior in football, as well as four All-Conference nods and a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Peer Team … Placed on the All-Academic Team in each of his four years in both sports … Named a finalist for the Bill Fralic Award … Owns school records in wrestling (career pins, career wins) and football (single-season and career forced fumbles) … Serves as class president, homeroom house captain, Junior Achievement supervisor, and Bishop Canevin student ambassador … Member of Science Club, Spanish Club, International Club, Adventure Club, Future Business Leaders of America, STEM Club, Academic Team, and Choir … Given his time to numerous causes and organizations, including Willig’s Funeral Home, Brentwood Nursing Home, Pittsburgh Marathon, Bishop Canevin mission trips, Betsy’s Place, and BizTowns … Plans to study business law and play football at Duquesne University 

Cassidy Trahan (Serra Catholic) – 4.342 GPA … Collected seven varsity letters, winning four in volleyball and three in softball … Captained the volleyball team for two years … Helped lead Serra Catholic to the WPIAL volleyball title as a junior and runner-up finish as a sophomore … Won four straight section titles in volleyball and one as a sophomore in softball … Named All-State twice and All-WPIAL four times in volleyball … Placed on the AVCA Phenom Watch List and National JVA Watch List … Owns the school record for career digs … Member of National Science Honor Society, Spirit Club, Best Buddies, Junior Achievement, and Future Business Leaders of America … Volunteers as a volleyball coach … Plans to study psychology or radiology therapy and play volleyball at Eastern Kentucky University

Grace Trimmer (Uniontown) – 4.38 GPA … Earned a total of nine varsity letters, winning four in cross country, three in track & field, and two in swimming & diving … Captained the cross country and track & field teams as a senior … Placed second as a senior and third as a junior at the WPIAL Cross Country Championships, and claimed fifth and seventh in those respective years at the PIAA level … Helped guide Uniontown to four consecutive section team championships in cross country … Owns the school record in cross country … Member of National Honor Society, National Art Society, Art Club, Bible Club, French Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes … Provided her time to many causes and organizations, including Red Cross blood drive, Closet of Hope, nursing home visitations, PennDOT Paint the Plow, and Sheepskin Trail clean-up … Made shirts for the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, posters for mental health PSAs, and organized and worked local 5K races … Plans to study psychology and compete on the cross country and track & field teams at Lehigh University

Abby Tucker (Canon-McMillan) – 4.0 GPA … Captured a total of eight varsity letters, winning four each in track & field and volleyball … Claimed gold in the javelin as a junior at the WPIAL Track & Field Championships … Helped lead Canon-McMillan to three straight section titles in volleyball … Named to the All-State team twice in volleyball and garnered four All-Section nods … Picked to the National JVA Watch List and AVCA Phenom Watch List, and named a top hitter and blocker by PA Preps for the Class of 2025 … Owns the Canon-McMillan single-season school record for blocks … Won the javelin event at the Washington-Greene County Coaches Invitational as a junior … Served on National Honor Society, Lead CM Mentor, Spanish Club, and Chemistry Club … Joined the Ski and Adventure Club, Yearbook Club, and Best Buddies … Provided her time as a coach for Volleyball Youth Camp, bell ringer for the Salvation Army, volunteer for Track & Field Youth competitions, and for the Washington Church of Christ … Plans to study exercise psychology and play volleyball at West Virginia University

About the WPIAL

Founded in 1906, the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) represents Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District VII, which is one of the 12 districts governed by the Constitution and By-Laws of the PIAA. The WPIAL represents its member schools by promoting academics, the safety of participants, sportsmanship, citizenship, and lifelong values as the foundation of interscholastic athletics. The league holds championships for 27 different sports, and its member schools are made up of 10 state counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland.

#WPIAL

The Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Hunt Armory ice rink in Shadyside has opened for its fourth season in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In its fourth season of operation, the Highmark Hunt Armory ice rink will continue to support local city hockey programs including Chatham University, Pittsburgh Obama and various non-profits through its free community ice times.

This season features a robust array of programming including Learn to Skate, Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey and the Try Hockey for Free program.

Learn to Skate is an introductory program for children ages four to 10 that teaches the basic skills of ice skating in small class sizes with Learn to Skate USA certified coaches.

Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey is an introductory program for children ages five to 10 to learn the basic skills of ice hockey. The program provides first-time participants with full hockey equipment and weekly appropriate on-ice instruction from certified coaches in a fun and safe atmosphere. The Little Penguins program is presented by the NHL and NHLPA with the support of The Penguins Foundation and DICK'S Sporting Goods.

Try Hockey for Free, presented by U. S. Steel, is a one-hour clinic available for children ages four to nine who wish to give the sport of hockey a try with no cost or commitment. No prior skating and/or hockey experience is required for participation, and equipment will be provided for each participant.

Public skating is scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30-5:30 PM. Community groups may also utilize free ice time provided by Duquesne Light Company and the Penguins Foundation. For additional information, please contact huntarmoryicerink@pittsburghpenguins.com

The historic Highmark Hunt Armory Ice Rink opened in 2021 and is the first indoor community ice rink opened within the city of Pittsburgh in 25 years. The facility serves as home to the Pittsburgh Penguins diversity and community programming, as well as public skating and hockey. 28,000 community members visited the ice rink during the 2023-2024 season alone. Please go to HuntArmoryIceRink.com for more information about the facility and its programming.

Fall into adventure during Carnegie Museums' upcoming Teen Night events! From youth artmaking to teen science challenges, the four Carnegie Museums provide so many creative ways for teens to connect with each other and their world—and, most importantly, to find their own voice.

Teen Membership is a free pass to exploration and discovery available to all teens 13–18 years old who are residents of Pennsylvania.

Not yet a member? Teens ages 13–18 can sign up for a free Teen Membership by clicking here!

The Library's expert staff, robust resources and exciting programs encourage creativity and learning. We welcome kids of all ages and their caregivers to our library spaces for fun, engaging activities, diverse collections and learning support.

Click here for more information 

ERESOURCES FOR KIDS & TEENS:

You can access library resources 24/7 online and on your smart device!

Stream or download onto your computer or through the Libby and Hoopla apps for eBooks, audiobooks and magazines.

BookFlix and TrueFlix offer read-along stories, eBooks and games to explore on any computer with a Wi-Fi connection. Little Pim and Mango can help you try new languages. Creativebug offers an online collection of crafting classes, including projects for kids and teens.

Our Homework Help page offers library resources for help with school projects, test preparation, online or remote learning, and general reference questions.

Many of these resources require a library card for access. You can register for a card onlineand get access in minutes. Call 412.622.3114, text 412.775.3900, use the chat box on this screen, or visit your neighborhood library location for support.

Gwen’s Girls  founder, Gwen Elliott, has been honored as one of the 16 remarkable women chosen for the Paint the Town Purple public art exhibit! Located at Mellon Square Park along Smithfield Street, this vibrant display celebrates the legacies of important women in Pittsburgh’s history. Gwen’s incredible legacy with Gwen’s Girls has been beautifully brought to life by Pittsburgh-based artist Ifeoma Igwe.

This exhibition highlights the significant contributions of these women through stunning illustrations by four local female artists, enriching the community with their stories and impact. The public art not only celebrates the achievements of these trailblazing women but also inspires future generations of women to pursue their dreams.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for celebrating these inspiring women and for supporting public art that brings the city’s history to life.

We invite you to visit the display at Mellon Square Park and share in the celebration of Gwen Elliott and the other remarkable women featured.

Oday Abushaban first heard about Pitt Bio Outreach when his older brother mentioned a summer program where students could learn about microbiology and participate in research labs. As a high schooler, Abushaban wasn’t sure what career he wanted to pursue, but knew working in a lab would be the best way for him to decide what areas of science interested him most.

So, he joined the Gene Team. Founded in 2006, the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biological Sciences program teaches high school students in the Pittsburgh area about biological sciences and provides college preparatory mentoring. It is part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES Alliance and was one of six STEM PUSH Network precollege programs to earn a first-of-its-kind accreditation from Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools for broadening STEM opportunities for Black, Latino and Indigenous students. 

Through the program, Abushaban taught people about what microbiologists do at festivals and events like STEM Day at the Carnegie Science Center, outreach he says is critical to engage students in science. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as a peer mentor and helped guide students through microbiology experiments while quarantining at home. 

“It is awesome to see the faces of kids getting excited to engage in science, as those same kids will be the doctors, engineers and mathematicians of the future,” Abushaban said.

Now a junior in the Swanson School of Engineering, Abushaban says it was through Pitt Bio Outreach that he was able to connect with organizations like the Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania, where he was hired to make lab procedural videos to help students follow along with the experiments, as reading instructions poses a barrier for some kids. 

While microbiology is far from computer engineering, Abushaban says their shared scientific method aspects remain crucial to his writing and research. He credits Pitt Bio Outreach director Rebecca Gonda with bringing him to Pitt — and he wants to continue giving back.

“Pitt Bio Outreach has truly taught me a lot about microbiology, but more so about encouraging others out there to explore science and get involved.”

— Angie Judson, photography by Rebecca Gonda

The STEM PUSH Network is operated by the Broadening Equity in STEM Center (BE STEM) at Pitt and was originally funded by the Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance of The National Science Foundation. STEM PUSH is a partnership of researchers, educators and practitioners that leverages the deep expertise of faculty and staff from Pitt’s Dietrich School, School of Education, School of Computing and Information and School of Medicine, along with two academic centers: The Learning and Research Development Center and The Center for Urban Education.

Source: Pittwire

Tour, explore, and more!

Teen Membership is a free pass to exploration and discovery available to all teens 13–18 years old who are residents of Pennsylvania. From youth artmaking to teen science challenges, the four Carnegie Museums provide so many creative ways for teens to connect with each other and their world—and, most importantly, to find their own voice.

Teen members enjoy*:

+ FREE general admission to Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum

+ Invitations to events and programming designed just for teen members

+ FREE reciprocal admission at 300+ ASTC museums and science centers

+ Discounts on classes, camps, educational films at the Rangos Giant Cinema, laser shows, lectures, and special events

+ A 10% discount in museum stores and cafes (20% store discount during Member Shopping Days)

*Teen membership benefits are valid for one named teen per membership. Teen membership benefits do not extend to parents, guardians, caregivers, household members, or additional guests.

Or, complete the Teen Membership Application and return it to any of the four Carnegie Museums
or mail to:
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
ATTN: Membership
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Teen Membership is generously supported by The Grable Foundation and the Robert and Mary Weisbrod Foundation

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Teenspace is a welcoming neighborhood space where teens can explore their interests and build their own future without pressure or expectations.

Visit the Teenspace at Main Library or your neighborhood location to meet new friends, learn new skills, and be yourself.

The Teenspaces at several CLP locations—Allegheny, East Liberty, and Main—offer recording studio space in the form of recording booths or mobile recording stations. These resources are available to teens only (grades 6 – 12, ages 12 – 19) and participants must earn a Recording ‘badge’ before using the equipment.

Want to know more? 
Stop by the Library and ask one of our friendly Teen Specialists to show you around or email info.carnegielibrary.org.

Service Spotlight

Having trouble with classwork or homework? The Library is here to help! Explore a variety of resources for help with school projects and test preparation.

Featured Program

If you’re into hands-on projects, epic games, music, books and just chilling out, join us for Teen Time. See the full schedule.

Learn more about TEENSPACE

The mission of Gwen's Girls  is to empower girls and young women to have productive lives through holistic, gender-specific programs, education, and experiences.  Why Girls? It is reported that 

42% girls in the United States now live in low-income families, and 1 in 5 below the poverty line (State of Girls 2013). Growing up in a low-income home increases a girl’s likelihood to encounter physical, emotional and behavioral hurdles. They are a higher risk for various social challenges including:

violence

abandonment and family dysfunction

sexist, racist or homophobic messages

abuse and exploitation

teen pregnancy

negative peer influences

academic failure

low self-esteem

Few services exist to help these girls. Without support, it seems like these girls’ futures are predetermined – and they are part of a cycle that is doomed to repeat. 

PUM catches up with  Dr. Kathi Elliott, CEO of Gwen’s Girls to learn more about the various solutions Gwen’s Girls is offering, including holistic, gender-specific programs, education, and experiences for Allegheny County’s at-risk children and young adults. More importantly, the organization offers a safe space where girls and young women can form relationships, build self-esteem and gain resiliency.

PUM: Tell us more about Gwen's Girls, it's mission and how it is enhancing the lives of Black girls from the Pittsburgh region?

Dr. Kathi Elliott: For over 20 years, Gwen’s Girls has provided educational opportunities, emotional support and enrichment experiences that have improved the quality of life for at-risk girls in the Pittsburgh region. Our prevention and intervention programs have helped over 6,000 girls and young women transform their lives and achieve economic self-sufficiency. They also enable girls to realize their individual strengths and potential and – as a result – become contributing members of society.

 PUM:  Recently your organization was presented with proclamations from county Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey honoring Black Girls Equity Month and the contributions of Gwen’s Girls to raise awareness and address the systemic racial biases that contribute to the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.  Tell us more about how your organization is addressing the systemic racial biases in this region for Black girls.

Dr. Kathi Elliott: Gwen’s Girls, in partnership with the Black Girls Equity Alliance (BGEA) and the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute (GJEI), have been at the forefront of advancing systemic change around issues that affect Black youth – particularly Black girls. Gwen’s Girls has the expertise, mechanisms for convening stakeholders, and networks in place to reduce local racial and ethnic disparities in Allegheny County’s juvenile justice system. In Pittsburgh, where Black girls are 10 times more likely than their white peers to be referred to the juvenile justice system, Gwen’s Girls has created programming and community outreach that supports the unique needs of Black girls while providing the expertise to affect policy and create systems-wide change.

PUM: Black girls face tremendous challenges when it comes to Education, health, wellness and

 trauma-informed care, reproductive justice, comprehensive sex education, commercial sex exploitation, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Tell us more about how Gwen's Girls is helping to address these important issues through your various programs. 

 Dr. Kathi Elliott:  We know that our girls have limitless potential, but so many face obstacles that threaten to stand in their way. Many of our girls live in neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, crime and violence. Gwen’s Girls hopes to continue to put these girls on a level playing field by providing high quality, gender-responsive programs, education and experiences. Our programs at Gwen’s Girls are designed to help girls realize their individual strengths, transform their lives and become essential and valued members of society. We believe that, when given the opportunity, any girl can succeed.

In addition to our after-school and community-based programs and services, Gwen’s Girls has a number of specialized programs to support high-school aged youth:

The BGALA Program stands for Black Girls Advocacy Leadership Alliance.  BGALA is a program for our Gwen’s Girls that are in high school, ages 14 to 18 years old. The program allows our girls to express themselves in a positive and judgement free environment. BGALA teaches the girls how to develop skills and use their voice and advocate against things such as adultification, colorism, and other social injustices facing black girls today. BGALA also empower the girls to love the skin they’re in, to be leaders in their schools, and their communities.

The S.T.A.R.S. Program stands for Striving to Achieve Resilience & Success. This is a 12–15-week mentoring program that is strength-based, community-based, & youth-driven. S.T.A.R.S. assist court involved, and at-risk youth identify goals by creating a “pathway plan” and making action steps towards self-improvement & empowerment. By pairing the youth with a mentor that guides the youth according to their individualized needs and provide advocacy supports to meet goals and connect them to community resources.

The See the Best In Me program is a prevention, intervention and regional capacity building strategy focused on populations most vulnerable to and/or victims/survivors of sex trafficking in urban and rural communities, with a focus on Allegheny County and surrounding urban and rural counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. Three identified target populations include girls who are Black, involved in the child welfare system, and/or runaway/homeless.

Caring Connections- With the help of the United Way 2-1-1, Gwen’s Girls Caring Connections for YOUth support network has implemented a centralized call center ​that will provide assessment, ​intake, and a community-based referral process for youth 10-21 ​years of age to connect them to preventative and support services. 

PUM:  How is your organization living up to the legacy that your late founder Gwen Elliot, Pittsburgh Police Commander envisioned?  For you overseeing the organization as the CEO what would your mom think about how Gwen's Girls is positively impacting Black girls lives? 

 Dr. Kathi Elliott:  The inspiration for Gwen’s Girls came from my mother, Commander Gwen Elliott. She was truly a trailblazer, and her amazing achievements have inspired many others. I believe that my mother would be proud of the work we’re doing, and will continue to do, to make the world a better place for Black girls and young women.

PUM: Recently your organization hosted your 7th  Annual Black Girls Equity Alliance (BGEA) She Matters: Centering Youth Voice for Systemic Change Summit, what significant goals and information came out of this event? 

 Dr. Kathi Elliott:  By hosting our 7th Annual Summit, we believe we have raised positive awareness about our goal and mission to empower girls and young women to enjoy productive, successful and fulfilling lives. That was the driving force and purpose behind this summit, which is why the theme of the summit was She Matters: Centering Youth Voice for Systemic Change.

The Emerging Leaders from our BGALA program co-planned and co-facilitated the panel discussions and break-out sessions, as well as youth from other programs from across the country.

PUM:  How can the public get involved with your organization? 

Dr. Kathi Elliott:   Anyone who is interested in volunteering or donating to Gwen’s Girls can visit our website at www.gwensgirls.org

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles have been working in tandem over the last three years to grow the game of girls' flag football in Pennsylvania through education, engagement, distribution of equipment, and resources. And today, we are thrilled to announce the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has officially designated girls' flag football to be a state sanctioned sport beginning in the 2025-26 school year!

Girls' flag football popularity has increased exponentially over the last few years, especially in the Steelers' backyard of western Pennsylvania. What started as a league of six teams in year one has grown to now include 36 high schools, along with the Steelers hosting a girls’ flag coaching clinic and college showcase. 

"We are excited to see such a groundbreaking moment for the future of girls’ flag football,” said Art Rooney II, Steelers President. “It has been great working with the Eagles to accomplish a successful ruling that will now give young girls the chance to compete at a state level. We look forward to seeing how girls' flag football continues to grow in Pennsylvania and worldwide."

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Clubhouse at Aliquippa Junior Senior High School for the 2024-2025 school year. This exciting development is the result of a collaborative effort with the Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee and aims to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for the youth of the Aliquippa community.

The Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee was established by a diverse collection of dedicated community leaders to guide this process. Members include Dr. Mitchel Nickols, Dr. Cheryl King, Dr. Melvin Steals, Dr. Phillip Woods, Joe West, Tina Price-Genes, Olivia Benson, Ed Palombo, Ed DeMailo, Tyrone Patillo, Mike Warfield, Michael Hauser, Genetha Short, Nora Lemon, Rob Jones, Sam Gill, Rick Shymoniak, Tamu Gilbert, Robert Digiovine Jr., and Salina Moreland.

The Aliquippa Clubhouse will serve students ages 10 through 18 offering both after school and summer programs as well as during school teen programs designed to support academic success, career and life readiness, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. This initiative aligns with BGCWPA’s mission to activate and advance the potential of every child, especially those who need services the most.

“The kids of Aliquippa deserve every opportunity to thrive and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is honored to be invited to serve this wonderful community,” said Christopher Watts, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. “This new Clubhouse will be a safe, fun, and inclusive place for kids and teens and we are privileged to collaborate with the dedicated leaders of the Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee and Aliquippa School District to turn this longtime vision into a reality.”

“Speaking on behalf of the Aliquippa Advisory Committee, I know we are making a big step for our community by bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Aliquippa,” said Dr. Mitchel Nickols, Chair of the Advisory Committee. “Having spaces for our kids to learn and thrive will have a tremendous impact across all of our community.”

“The ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate school-age children to embrace their potential, creativity, and individuality, and to encourage them to dream big and work towards their goals,” said Dr. Phillip Woods, Superintendent, Aliquippa School District.

The after-school program for ages 10-13 will follow the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS quality rating improvement system, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants. Activities will include, arts, reading activities, math and reasoning activities, science and nature activities, and cultural awareness. Programs are designed to be engaging and inspiring, fostering a love of learning and creativity in a safe, inclusive environment. Youth enrolled in these programs are eligible for Child Care Works (CCW), making the programs accessible to families in need of financial assistance.

For Grades 9-12, the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) will be a cornerstone of the high school offerings during the school day. This evidence-based program focuses on building social-emotional skills, developing a positive sense of self, and encouraging community

engagement through service projects. Key components of TOP include skills building, self-learning and engaging with the community.

BCGWPA and the Greater Aliquippa Advisory Committee also announced the initiation of a fundraising effort specifically for the Aliquippa Clubhouse. Donations can be made via checks payable to “Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania” with “Aliquippa Clubhouse” specified on the memo line, sent to our headquarters at 317 East Carson Street, West Tower, Suite 238, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Contributions can also be made online at https://bgcwpa.org/give, specifying “Aliquippa Clubhouse” in the memo section.

Peoples, an Essential Utilities Company, made a gift through the Essential Foundation to support the Aliquippa Clubhouse to kick off the Clubhouse fundraising effort. “Peoples believes in making lives better through support of important community organizations, and we’re glad to work with Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania,” said Vice President of Reliability Ed Palombo. “Their Aliquippa Clubhouse will be a great asset to children and families in the area, and we look forward to seeing the growth that comes from this initiative.”

For more information about BGCWPA visit bgcwpa.org.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Bio Outreach Gene Team is a 4-week summer program that immerses students in an authentic biological research project from one of the research labs in the Department of Biological Sciences. Students work as a team to advance the research while honing their biology and critical thinking skills. This summer a group of high school students have the opportunity to become young  scientists and dive into lab work on a major research project. 

Shady Side Academy freshman Rainier Sky Beckham is excited about the opportunity to participate in the program where she can deepen her interest in science. The Gene Team aims to engage students in current research in Biological Sciences and provide college preparatory mentoring. The programs goal is also to increase participation in biological research from groups that are historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math. 

15 students from Pittsburgh area schools were selected for this highly competitive summer program that takes place over four weeks. “I am looking forward to participating in this program where I can get hands on experience and learn more about Biology while participating in labs and research," Beckham said. 

The program selected  a group of scientific-minded high school students who want to learn more about Biology while developing laboratory skills.  The students will be immersed in a current research project from a lab at Pitt over the course of the 4-week program.  Additionally, they  will take time to focus on strategies and skills that will be invaluable for applying to and succeeding in college!

The Gene Team was founded in 2006 and is a proud participant in the NSF INCLUDES Alliance, STEM PUSH Network, a national network of precollege programs aiming to increase college enrollment for minoritized students. Gene Team has been accredited by Middles States Association for broadening participation in STEM.

Learn More about Pitts Gene Team Program

Gene Team at The University of Pittsburgh earns first of its kind accreditation for broadening participation in STEM

Gene Team is one of the first pre-college STEM programs (PCSPs) in the U.S. to earn accreditation for its progress in broadening opportunity for Black, Latina/o/e and Indigenous students in STEM from Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). Gene Team earned the certification for its documented success in providing meaningful out of school programming that preliminary data show increases participation in STEM for under-represented students.

Gene Team aims to engage students in current research in Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and provide college preparatory mentoring. Gene Team’s goal is to increase participation in biological research from groups that are historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The MSA-CESS accreditation is a ground-breaking step towards elevating the critical learning and skills development provided by Gene Team through increased visibility and value in the higher education admissions process, promoting greater equity in college admissions. Out-of-school educational programs experiences are disproportionately important for students who systematically have reduced access to advanced STEM experiences in their high schools, and accreditation validates these underrecognized opportunities.

Becky Gonda, Teaching Associate Professor and Director of Outreach in the Department of Biological Sciences states that this is a game-changer for Gene Team students. “This creates a mechanism for admissions officers to understand and recognize our students’ experiences in our program. We are thrilled to be accredited, which can lead to more holistic admissions reviews for our students.”

As a member of the STEM PUSH Network, a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research project, Gene Teamwas part of the inaugural cohort completing a rigorous self-study followed by a site visit from MSA-CESS. Gene Team is one of the first programs to earn accreditation based on documented strengthening along quality standards that are equity centered and designed to broaden participation in STEM. 

The cohort of STEM PUSH PCSPs completed a continuous improvement protocol that included a self-study documenting improvements, evidence, and future goals, followed by site visits from MSA-CESS.

Gene Team’s mission is to increase participation in STEM from groups that have been historically underrepresented by engaging students in current research and providing college preparatory mentoring. The STEM PUSH network has allowed Gene Team program leaders to strengthen their programing to better serve their students and allowed them to learn with other program leaders who are focused on similar missions. With this accreditation, the rigorous and culturally-sustaining STEM experiences that students gain will be made visible to admissions officers. 

STEM PUSH PCSPs are established, intensive, STEM-focused, out-of-school-time programs intentionally serving Black, Latina/o/e, Indigenous, and other underrepresented racially minoritized high schoolers through practices that center equity and prepare students for undergraduate STEM. These programs provide more than 100 hours of programming using curricula that are rigorous and reflective of advances in their various STEM fields.

Preliminary data across the STEM PUSH Network show that students who participate in STEM PUSH programs enroll and persist in STEM at significantly higher rates than those who do not.  Across programs with enough data, 80 percent of Black, Latinae/o/e, and Indigenous students enroll and persist in STEM for more than a year at colleges and universities.

Alison Slinskey Legg, Principal Investigator and Director of The BE STEM Center at University of Pittsburgh, the project’s supporting organization, said the accreditation, and the supporting data are important validations of the power of partnerships and community in providing students with opportunity. 

“This work is challenging, and the conversation around access, admissions, and equity is shifting, but we have a constant in the dedication and talent of educators across the country working together to affect real systems change,” she said.

“This accreditation–and the results that we’re seeing– prove the collective can accomplish what no one program can, and we’re thrilled for our PCSP and admission partners, but most of all for the students who will ultimately benefit from this effort,” she added.

With MSA-CESS affirming the value of PCSP experience as preparation for success in STEM, Slinskey Legg is encouraged that admissions professionals, other PCSPs, schools, and funders will elevate the documented value of community-based, culturally responsible out-of-school experience in student success, and support this important work.

PCSPs, admissions professionals, and allies can also benefit from the resources of STEM PUSH and help advance equity in STEM by learning alongside the network. Evidence-based change ideas, presentations and network learnings can be found on the project website.

The first cohort of accredited programs are: Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health’s Health Science Academy, California State University East Bay MESA, Gene Team at University of Pittsburgh, Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program at Arizona State University, New York Hall of Science's Science Career Ladder, and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS).

STEM PUSH welcomes admissions offices to join the STEM PUSH Admissions Network and revise current systems to recognize the STEM learning experiences of these students in the admissions and enrollment process. Together with partners, STEM PUSH aims to systematically elevate intensive out-of-school STEM learning experiences in admissions decisions. Learn more and connect here.

The STEM PUSH Network is operated by The Broadening Equity in STEM Center (BE STEM) at the University of Pittsburgh, and originally funded by the Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES program. STEM PUSH is a comprehensive national effort to enhance U.S. leadership in discoveries and innovations by focusing on diversity, inclusion and broadening participation in STEM at scale. STEM PUSH is also co-funded by the NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program and the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program.