Shady Side Academy senior Qingqing Zhao and junior Anker Zhao, who are siblings, were among the Top 10 Gold Medalists in Trib Total Media's 2021 Outstanding Young Citizen (OYC) awards program.

More than 300 nominations representing 110 schools across the Pittsburgh region were submitted this year. From the nominations, 100 students were chosen as the the Outstanding Young Citizens Elite Top 100, and from that group the Top 10 Gold Medalists were named. Honorees not only excel in the classroom, but also spend countless hours participating in extracurricular activities and serving their communities.

The Trib Total Media Outstanding Young Citizen Program is an annual awards program that has recognized the achievements of students in Western Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. Family, friends, teachers or school officials nominate high school juniors and seniors based on their exemplary character, academic achievements, leadership and community service. An independent panel of judges selects the Elite Top 100 and Top 10 Gold Medalists. One boy and one girl among the Gold Medalists are selected to win a $5,000 scholarship.

Congratulations, Qingqing and Anker!