Eighteen of The Region’s Most Outstanding Teens Honored

February 8, 2023 (Pittsburgh, PA) - Junior Achievement of Western PA (JA) recognized 18 young people from across western Pennsylvania for their exceptional leadership and positive contributions impacting their communities and beyond during the second annual 18 Under Eighteen awards ceremony held at Acrisure Stadium.

"When we started this initiative last year, I knew we would connect with some talented young people,” said Patrice Matamoros, President of Junior Achievement of Western PA. “However, I was blown away, for a second time, at not only their talent but their drive to succeed and passion for change.” 

In the weeks leading up to the recognition event, the honorees completed eight hours of the Intern to VP ® Professional Branding and Leadership Development Training Program presented by Moments of Focus LLC. 

Emcees Ally Bear and Travis, On-Air Personalities for iHeart Radio, kicked off the event by introducing special guests Kathryn Klaber, Managing Partner of The Klaber Group, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Community Advisor to the Mayor, Melvin “Brother Mel” Hubbard El, whom both presented each honoree with certificates of achievement.  

The honorees also received personalized billboard campaigns donated by Lamar Advertising and year supplies of Millie’s Ice Cream and Chik-Fil-A. 

Nominations for the next 18 Under Eighteen will open in September of 2023. 

About Junior Achievement of Western PA

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. 

JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. 

During the 2021-2022 school year, JA impacted over 30,000 students across 56 counties in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. To learn more about Junior Achievement of Western PA visit westernpa.ja.org for more information. 

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