Five teens named to prestigious JA list
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania recently introduced its 18 Under Eighteen class of 2024, which includes two students from Washington County as well as three students from the South Fayette School District.
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- Alekhya Buragadda
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- Prerna Chakkingal
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- Danielle Neve
“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.”
Cassidy Griffith is a senior at Peters Township High School. The 17-year-old Venetia resident 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.
Pat Weldon attends Seton LaSalle High School. The 17-year-old junior 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.
Alekhya Buragadda and Prerna Chakkingal and Daniella Neve represent South Fayette Township. Buragadda and Chakkingal are both 17-year-old high school students while Neve is a sixth grader.
Buragadda has been recognized for her volunteer work, commitment to STEAM, and dedication to destigmatizing mental health among children and teens. She is also a published researcher and author as well as the founder of a nonprofit focused on developing educational opportunities for women globally.
Chakkingal’s achievements include being an accomplished public speaker on societal issues and giving voice to underrepresented populations. She delivered one of the Top 100 Most Popular Tedx Talks in 2022 and was selected for the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy.
Neve’s recognition focuses on her use of TikTok as a platform for change. She spreads positivity and encourages organ donation – a quest that began with using the platform to find a kidney donor for her father. She has partnered with UPMC and local media in her work.
According to a Junior Achievement press release, the class of 2024 features advocates, entrepreneurs, writers, engineers and changemakers 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.
Full bios of the honorees can be found at westernpa.ja.org