A closer look at 2024 Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete honorees

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, April 28, 2024 | 4:21 PM

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Winners of the annual Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Award, sponsored by Judge Michael Stewart, will be announced at a banquet Tuesday, at Ferrante’s Lakeview.

Athletic directors or representatives from the 18 county high schools selected 12 finalists for the award and one male and one female winner.

Here are the 2024 nominees:

Belle Vernon

Adam LaCarte

Sports: Baseball, basketball and football

Parents: Dana and David LaCarte

Class rank: 23 of 193

GPA: 4.3

College: Undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He played on two WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A champion football teams and four years on the baseball team. He was a team captain in football and baseball. He was an all-conference and all-state defensive back and conference Defensive Player of the Year. He is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Social Studies National Honor Society. He was a volunteer member of The Bag Brigade and the Interact and PE Clubs.

Sienna Steeber

Sports: Track and field, gymnastics and cross country

Parents: Tanya and Mike Steeber

Class rank: 2 of 193

GPA: 4.589

College: Bucknell

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She received highest honors every nine weeks and earned a WPIAL Sportsmanship honor. She is the school’s first female pole vaulter and achieved a Level 9 in gymnastics. She also was a senior class officer, a member of student council and a volunteer for several organizations.

Burrell

Grace Nesko

Sports: Track and field, cross country and soccer

Parents: Kathleen and Frank Nesko

Class rank: 4 of 124

GPA: 4.78

College: Shippensburg

Extracurricular activities and honors: She earned distinguished honors in ninth, 10^th and 11^th grade. She works at Subway, is treasurer for student government and a member of the National Honor Society. She also is a community volunteer. She was a PIAA qualifier in cross country and track.

Cooper Hornack

Sports: Wrestling, football and track and field

Parents: Dana and Tom Hornack

Class rank: 23 of 124

GPA: 4.16

College: Columbia

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a PIAA champion in wrestling in 2023, a four-time PIAA placewinner, a three-time WPIAL champion and four-time finalist and a PIAA runner-up in 2021. His career record was 156-27 with 73 pins. He was the Valley News Dispatch’s Wrestler of the Year in 2023 and ‘24. He is a volunteer coach with the Burrell youth wrestling program and was a member of student government. He also was a member of the National Honor Society and was a National Wrestling Coaches Association High School Scholar All-American.

Derry

Roman Fridley

Sports: Baseball and basketball

Parents: Lea Delcoco-Fridley and Brandon Fridley

Class rank: 8 of 140

GPA: 4.0

College: Seton Hill

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a three-year starter on the baseball team and an all-section middle infielder. He earned distinguished honors four years, was Rotary Club Student of the Month in December and was a member of the National Business Honor Society. He was also in numerous clubs and volunteered for different events.

Rachelle Marinchak

Sport: Basketball

Parents: Rachel and Shaun Marinchak

Class rank: 17 of 140

GPA: 97.4

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was on high honor roll. She was a three-year letterwinner on the basketball team and scored 346 points. She also is a member of FFA.

Franklin Regional

Holden Thomas

Sports: Swimming

Parents: Kelly and Joe Thomas

Class rank: 64 of 274

GPA: 3.971

College: George Washington

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a four-year letterman and a school record holder in the 200 medley relay, 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and the 400 freestyle relay. He was a PIAA medalist. He was a member of the Fly Fishing Club, Murrysville Swim Club and lifeguard and swim instructor.

Aris Lamanna

Sport: Soccer

Parents: Stacy and Anthony Lamanna

Class rank: 39 of 274

GPA: 4.2

College: Coastal Carolina

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was a three-time all-section soccer player and a three-time all-WPIAL player. She was the TribLive Westmoreland County Player of the Year. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a volunteer at different events and a member of Franklin Regional versus Cancer, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Tyree Turner

Sports: Football, basketball and baseball

Parents: Malaika and Theo Turner

Class rank: 25 of 61

GPA: 4.001

College: Undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and the All-Academic Gold and Silver teams. He was a four-year starter and letterman in football, basketball and baseball. He made third-team all-state in basketball and was a two-time Westmoreland County first- team all-star.

Izabela Aigner

Sport: Golf

Parents: Carol and Joseph Aigner

Class rank: 47 of 61

GPA: 3.629

College: Bethel (Ind.)

Extracurricular activities and honors: She made academic honors from 2020-24, helped GCC to four consecutive WPIAL Class 2A titles and qualified for the PIAA championship as a freshman. She partnered with PGA golfer Rocco Mediate at the Senior PGA PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach in 2023. She’s won numerous golf awards, including the WCCA championship in 2022 and ‘23.

Greensburg Salem

Nicholas Heinnickel

Sports: Soccer, basketball and baseball

Parents: Penny and Phil Heinnickel

Class rank: First decile of 216

GPA: 3.928

College: Penn State

Extracurricular activities and honors: He has received the Rachel Parker Memorial Math Award. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He is the overall administrator of the school’s Four Diamonds Mini Thon. He is an alter server at Saint Bartholomew Church. He earned six varsity letters between soccer, basketball and baseball.

Kaitlyn Mankins

Sports: Basketball, volleyball and track and field

Parents: Lisa and Craig Mankins

Class rank: First quartile of 216

GPA: 4.0

College: D’Youville

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a member of the National Honor Society and received the American Legion Award. She’s been on the honor roll (4.0) since sixth grade. She was captain of the basketball team as a junior and senior. She does community service at Greensburg Salem Middle School and delivered for Meals on Wheels. She also was on student council.

Hempfield

Peyton Murray

Sports: Indoor and outdoor track and field

Parents: Amanda and David Murray

Class rank: 80 of 392

GPA: 3.92

College: Notre Dame

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A discus champion in 2023. He’s a three-time PIAA medalist while competing in the discus and shot put. He was runner-up in the shot put as a junior. He‘s a two-time WPIAL discus champion. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National History Honor Society and National Art Honor Society.

Sarah Podkul

Sports: Basketball, volleyball and softball

Parents: Kelly and Mark Podkul

Class rank: 25 of 379

GPA: 99.55

College: Marietta

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was the basketball team’s Most Valuable Player her sophomore and junior seasons. She was named to various all-star teams in all three sports. She received the 1835 Founders Merit Scholarship from Marietta. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and English National Honor Society.

Jeannette

Jordan Taylor

Sport: Soccer

Parent: Savannah Rennels

Class rank: 7th

GPA: 4.0

College: Undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He set the single-season scoring record at Jeannette. He was the WPIAL’s leading scorer as a senior. He has received scholarship offers from Wheeling, Seton Hill, Point Park and Robert Morris. He made high honor roll all four years. He’s also a mentor for younger soccer players.

Payton Molter

Sport: Football

Parents: Nikki and Jay Molter

Class rank: N/A

GPA: N/A

College: Mercyhurst

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a two-year captain and was a leadership council member. He was the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and scored 30 touchdowns. He’s an also an all-conference punter.

Kiski Area

Eliza Miller

Sports: Track and field, cross country and swimming

Parents: Kimberly and Richard Miller

Class rank: 54 of 253

GPA: 4.0

College: Duquesne

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a three-time Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association cross country champion and two-time PIAA Class 3A placewinner. She is a multiple-time county swimming and track and field champion. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She also maintains multiple lawns in her neighborhood for elderly neighbors.

Carter Leviski

Sport: Baseball

Parents: Melanie and Andrew Leviski

Class rank: 4 of 253

GPA: 105.1535

College: Pitt-Bradford

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was an all-section honorable mention as a catcher as a sophomore. He missed most of his junior season with an injury. He received a Panther Scholarship. He earned an AP Scholar Award. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He is president of the Spanish Club and treasurer of the National Honor Society. He is a youth baseball league umpire.

Latrobe

Louis Amatucci

Sports: Hockey and baseball

Parents: Ann and John Amatucci

Class rank: 17 of 276

GPA: 4.1919

College: Saint Vincent

Extracurricular activities and honors: He received the Challenge Program Academic Excellence Award, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and is a PAHL Academic All-Star. He is a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer, an alter server and a volunteer Little League coach. He was team captain of the hockey team and a PIHL all-star. He also is a team captain on the baseball team.

Elle Snyder

Sports: Volleyball and basketball

Parents: Paula and Dave Snyder

Class rank: 21 of 276

GPA: 4.125

College: Evansville

Extracurricular activities and honors: She received a Presidential and Dean Scholarship. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and the National Science Honor Society. She volunteers at Latrobe Hospital, at the youth girls basketball camps and for State Sen. Kim Ward. She scored more than 1,000 points in her career and holds the school’s single-game record of 10 3-pointers. She was a first team all-star for basketball and volleyball.

Ligonier Valley

Declan McMullen

Sport: Golf

Parents: Cathi and Chad McMullen

Class rank: 14 of 108

GPA: 3.87

College: Robert Morris

Extracurricular activities and honors: He helped the golf team win the school’s first section title in 2023. He will receive a scholarship from RMU. He is a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. He was on the Dean’s list from Westmoreland County Community College. He was a Special Olympics volunteer and a member of Future Business Leaders of America.

Mikayla Smitley

Sport: Swimming

Parents: Tina and Michael Smitley

Class rank: 22 of 108

GPA: 3.78

College: Wheeling

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was a WPIAL qualifier all four years. She is the school’s 100-yard butterfly record holder. She earned an academic and athletic scholarship from Wheeling. She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. She was a playground volunteer, Fort Ligonier volunteer and a Special Olympics volunteer.

Monessen

Sidney Campbell

Sports: Softball, soccer and basketball

Parents: Jessica Popovich and Vincent Campbell

Class rank: 1 of 42

GPA: 4.68

College: Ohio State

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was captain of the soccer and basketball teams. She played a role in helping the basketball team to section titles in 2023 and ‘24. She received the Westmoreland County African American Award and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was treasurer of the National Honor Society, president of Spanish National Honor Society and a member of Future Business Leaders of America.

Matthew Sawa

Sports: Soccer, basketball and baseball

Parents: Connie and Scott Sawa

Class rank: 3 of 42

GPA: 4.6

College: Pitt

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was captain of the soccer and basketball teams. He will study pre-law at Pitt. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. He spends time teaching and working with youth soccer players. He also assisted with kids’ activities at Triple B Farms.

Mt. Pleasant

Eli Duvall

Sports: Soccer and tennis

Parents: Jamie and Clayton Duvall

Class rank: 1 of 155

GPA: 4.3

College: Saint Vincent

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was all-section honorable mention as a sophomore and all-section as a senior in soccer. He will receive a Wimmer Scholarship. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Is a volunteer youth soccer coach and competed on the quiz team and is a member of the Chess Club and Sign Language Club.

Addison Lynn Reese

Sports: Softball and tennis

Parents: Angela and the late Mike Reese

Class rank: 14 of 155

GPA: 4.0337

College: Washington and Jefferson

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a three-year starter on the softball team and a two-year starter on the tennis team. She will receive a W&J Thrive Scholarship. She was a member of the Blue Shirts Club and worked with special needs students. She is an alter server at St. Florian Church and a volunteer at the Westmoreland County Fair. She also volunteered with the Lions Club pancake breakfast and for the Mike Reese Memorial 5K,

Norwin

Luke Denny

Sports: Track and field, football and basketball

Parents: Melanie and Chad Denny

Class rank: 218 of 418

GPA: 88.404

College: Lehigh

Extracurricular activities and honors: He received a scholarship from Lehigh. He is in show choir and helped with Norwin Theatre Company Performing Arts Day. He also is an umpire at youth baseball games and a volunteer at a local church and for the Race4Grace. He also worked at Norwin youth football camps.

Bailey Snowberger

Sports: Softball and basketball

Parents: Angie and Dave Snowberger

Class rank: 37 of 418

GPA: 89.378

College: Holy Cross

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a two-time first team all-section shortstop. She was a two-time second-team all-section player and received the Positive Athlete award. She was a member of the National Honor Society, worked with the Student Assistant Program and helped train young softball players.

Penn-Trafford

Patton Graziano

Sports: Swimming and golf

Parent: Kimberly and James Graziano

Class rank: 40 of 319

GPA: 4.36

College: West Virginia

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a two-year letterwinner and starter of the golf team. In swimming, he is a four-time letterwinner and set three school records. He is a four-time county champion and WPIAL qualifier. He was the WPIAL 100-yard freestyle champion and two-time PIAA medalist. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was selected to attend the WPIAL Annual Sportsmanship Summit. He is a lifeguard and Special Olympics volunteer.

Mackenzie Keenan

Sports: Softball and field hockey

Parents: Christy and Jason Keenan

Class rank: 4 of 319

GPA: 4.6154

College: U.S.Naval Academy

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a dual sport all-star. She was a three-year starter on the field hockey team and three-year starter on the softball team. She is a member of the National Honor Society, competed in the annual Architecture Design Challenge and attended Westinghouse’s Women in Engineering Day. She placed third at the regional Future Business Leaders of America competition on cyber security. She is a volunteer softball coach.

Southmoreland

Adam Halinka

Sports: Track and field and cross country

Parents: Jacqueline Brunot and Robert Halinka

Class rank: 22 of 113

GPA: 4.5

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a two-time WPIAL qualifier in cross country. In track and field, his main events are the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. He placed seventh in the WPIAL 300 hurdles as a sophomore and junior. He won the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and is president of the Interact club. He earned a third place in the Voices of Democracy Essay contest.

Madison Brown

Sport: Softball

Parents: Kendra and Mike Brown

Class rank: 1of 113

GPA: 4.250

College: Denison

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a four-year letterwinner and was selected as Softball Player of the Year as a sophomore. She is a member of the National Honor Society and won the Quest Bridge National Match Scholarship. She also won the National Science Foundation Stem Scholarship. She is a volunteer softball coach and was homecoming queen. She also earned a black belt in Taekwondo.

Valley

Wesley Schrock

Sport: Baseball

Parents: Denise and Terry Schrock

Class rank: 2 of 160

GPA: 4.264

College: Pitt

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a Valley News Dispatch baseball all-star. He is a four-year starter and as a pitcher has a career earned run average of 2.70 with 117 strikeouts. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was selected to the National High School Coaches Association’s Academic All-American team. He is president of STEM Club and president of the ski club. He performed the lead in Valley’s musical and is a member of the drama club, show choir and concert band.

Nina Vigilante

Sports: Soccer, volleyball and tennis

Parents: Nicole and Anthony Vigilante

Class rank: 3 of 160

GPA: 4.2

College: Denison

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a three-sport athlete and three-year varsity player in soccer and volleyball. She was president of the National Honor Society and named Rotary Scholar. She also is a member of the science club, garden club and art club. She also is a volunteer in the community.

Yough

Zander Aird

Sports: Soccer, basketball and baseball

Parents: Melissa and Christopher Aird

Class rank: 1 of 134

GPA: 100.18

College: U.S. Military Academy

Extracurricular activities and honors: He earned four varsity letters in soccer and was team captain. He was a four-time letterwinner on the basketball team and a two-year starter on the baseball team. He is president of the National Honor Society and was selected for the Tribune-Review’s Young Outstanding Citizen award. He also volunteers in the community.

Jada Ford

Sports: Cross country, track and field, lacrosse, golf and volleyball

Parents: Tara and Jeffrey Ford

Class rank: 8 of 134

GPA: 4.0

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: She participated in five sports and earned 17 varsity letters. She was a WPIAL qualifier in cross country, was named MVP on the track team and won the Ironman Award, was the leading scorer on the soccer team and played four years on the golf team. She is a member of the National Honor Society and senior class president. She is a Toys for Tots volunteer and a volunteer at various businesses.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.