Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, headquartered in South Fayette, seeks to showcase and celebrate a dozen and a half young people through the initiative 18 Under Eighteen.

This year, the organization recognized the inaugural class, which represented a diverse cross-section of the region and varied backgrounds.

JA is accepting nominations for its second 18 Under Eighteen class through Oct. 28, with selected candidates debuting on Jan. 10. An awards presentation is scheduled for Feb. 7 at Acrisure Stadium.

“This program is a way for JA to honor young people from across our region who have demonstrated leadership on and off the field,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of Junior Achievement of Western PA. “We are excited to discover another talented and passionate group, and connect them to opportunities that can propel them in their personal and professional journeys.”

Students selected for 18 Under Eighteen will represent a variety of strengths, interests and skills that embody how they have distinguished themselves as leaders and role models, using their abilities to succeed in raising money, volunteering, and/or engaging in entrepreneurial pursuits.

Candidates will be chosen by a diverse panel of judges in the corporate, non-profit, community, and educational sectors of our region. Honorees receive benefits of leadership training and real-life experiences such as mentoring and job shadowing through local leaders and organizations.

“Last year, we connected many of the honorees to additional opportunities that lead to benefits such as scholarships or new relationships. We are committed to helping them in any way we can,” Matamoros said.

Parents, teachers and peers can nominate individuals at westernpa.ja.org. Organizations looking to support 18 Under Eighteen can contact Bill Lucas at blucas@jawesternpa.org.

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