A closer look at 2025 Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete honorees

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 9:30 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 Wednesday, 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 2025 nominees:

Belle Vernon

Kole Doppelheuer

Sports: Football, wrestling, baseball, track and field

Parents: Michael and Kristine Doppelheuer

Class rank: 58 of 184

GPA: 3.88

College: PennWest California

Extracurricular activities and honors: He played on two WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A championship football teams. He was a first-team all-conference offensive and defensive player in Class 4A. He was team captain of the football and wrestling teams. He also worked as a youth umpire, volunteer for BVA youth wrestling club and volunteer for other community events, including Overly’s Country Christmas. He is a member of the National Honor Society.

Grace West

Sports: Soccer, track and field, flag football

Parents: Tom and Ellen West

Class rank: 10 of 184

GPA: 4.319 weighted and 3.872 unweighted

College: Marywood University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She received a Marywood Trustee’s scholarship. She made highest academic honors while in the gifted program. She made the National Honor Society. She was in the BVA physical education club, was a lifeguard at Mon Valley Health Plex and was a six-year member of the Beadling Football Club.

Burrell

Calio Zanella

Sports: Wrestling, soccer, tennis

Parents: Ron and Jaclyn Zanella

Class rank: 2 of 141

GPA: 4.46

College: Auburn University

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was captain of the wrestling team and a PIAA qualifier. He helped Burrell to consecutive Class 2A team titles. He was a four-time WPIAL placewinner. He was captain of the soccer team and helped the team to four WPIAL playoff appearances. He was a member of the National Honor Society, president of Interact club and volunteered at Science Olympiad and Toys for Tots.

Isabella Stewart

Sports: Softball, wrestling, basketball, volleyball

Parents: Chris and Kristin Stewart

Class rank: 16 of 141

GPA: 4.7

College: Washington & Jefferson

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is captain of the softball team, where she is a three-year starter and a three-time all-section player. She was also a three-year starter on the basketball team and a two-year starter for volleyball and wrestling. She earned distinguished honors every nine weeks and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was Interact Club president and has a presidential scholarship and leadership scholarship.

Derry

Jacob Hauser

Sports: Swimming and diving, track and field

Parents: Travis and Heather Hauser

Class rank: 84 of 156

GPA: 3.675

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and was on honor roll. He had a co-op through Westmoreland County Technology Center with Bob Lopes Plumbing and is a member of the Derry Flip and Twist diving club. He was the WPIAL Class 2A diving champion in 2025. He was a two-time PIAA placewinner.

Jane Huss

Sports: Cross country, basketball, track and field

Parents: Dean and Kim Huss

Class rank: 18 of 156

GPA: 4.0

College: Saint Vincent

Extracurricular activities and honors: She has earned distinguished honors and honor roll. She is part of Chick-Fil-A leader academy, Interact club and future educators club. She also took part in an early internship at the elementary school. She is a four-time WPIAL qualifier and three-time PIAA qualifier in cross country and track and field. She is a four-time team MVP, captain and school’s course record holder. She placed third in the WPIAL Class 3A 800. She was a four-year starter on the basketball team.

Franklin Regional

Andrew Devola

Sports: Football, basketball

Parents: Eryn and Steve Devola

Class rank: 30 of 258

GPA: 4.283

College: Michigan Tech University

Extracurricular activities and honors: He earned honors with distinction. He earned first place in Physics Olympics. He is a referee for PA West Soccer. He was on the National Honor Society, the chess club and a parks department volunteer. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, whittling and painting. He was a four-year starter on the football team and first-team all-conference as a defensive tackle in 2022, ‘23 and ‘24.

Toryn Fulton

Sports: Softball, basketball, volleyball

Parents: Bill and Heather Fulton

Class rank: 164 of 258

GPA: 3.119

College: University of South Florida

Extracurricular activities and honors: She earned highest honors with distinction in 2024 and ‘25. She works at Grind 24/7 as a private hitting/field instructor. She is a four-year starter on the softball team and team captain her junior and senior seasons. She was selected first-team all-section for three seasons as well as first-team all-state in 2023 and ‘243. She started four years on the basketball team.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Braden Riley

Sports: Golf, basketball, lacrosse

Parents: Greg and Maria Riley

Class rank: 26 of 72

GPA: 3.8

College: University of Pittsburgh

Extracurricular activities and honors: He helped lead the Centurions to section titles in both sports. He was a three-time WPIAL golf finalist and two-time PIAA qualifier. He was student body president and class president his sophomore and junior years. He made academic honors every marking period and was a member of the German National Honor Society and Psychology National Honor Society. He was a member of the robotics club. He led the basketball team in assists.

Eva Denis

Sports: Track and field, volleyball

Parents: Lori and B.J. Denis

Class rank: 4 of 72

GPA: 4.46

College: University of Delaware

Extracurricular activities and honors: She holds the school record in the 100-meter dash (12.12 seconds). She also owns the long jump record (17 feet, 10.5 inches). She volunteers to read books to young students at Queen of Angels School and at HEAL Animal Shelter. She is a three-year starter on the volleyball team. She was on the highest honor roll all four years. She received the Academic Excellence Award for the Challengers Program. She is a member of numerous National Honor Societies.

Greensburg Salem

Tyler Martin

Sports: Baseball, basketball

Parents: Kevin Martin, and Nathan and Jenna Poorbaugh

Class rank: N/A

GPA: 3.375

College: Undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was four-year letterman for both baseball and basketball. He averaged 16 points per game his season senior and made first-team all-WPIAL and all-state in basketball in 2024. He also does community service at the local food bank, bell ringing and donating clothing to the Salvation Army. He also umpires and is maintaining an A average his senior year.

Olivia Smith

Sports: Soccer, indoor and outdoor track, unified bocce, flag football

Parents: William and Nicole Smith

Class rank: N/A of 200

GPA: 3.9

College: Undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: She led the soccer team in goals her junior and senior seasons. She was the team captain for soccer and flag football. She was a member of the National Honor Society and gifted and enrichment programs. She volunteered at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, is a youth soccer referee, a volunteer at the Steve Snider Memorial Run and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Hempfield

Drew Gordon

Sports: Basketball, volleyball

Parents: Michelle and Scott Gordon

Class rank: 2 of 391

GPA: 102.53%

College: Penn State University

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a four-year letterman for volleyball and a three-year letterman for basketball. He was a member of Rho Kappa and Mu Alpha and four National Honor Societies. He also helped at the mini-thon fundraising, Cross Your Paws Rescue and a volunteer for Westmoreland County Food Bank.

Milana Yannascoli

Sports: Golf, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field

Parents: Doug and Melissa Yannascoli

Class rank: 13 of 391

GPA: 100.8%

College: Mount Union

Extracurricular activities and honors: She has maintained excellence in all honor and AP courses and has always been on the honor roll. She works at Totteridge Golf Club and is an EMT in Penn Township. She has been involved with mini-thon at Hempfield every year and volunteers at church. She was a three-time WCCA placewinner and two-time WPIAL Class 3A qualifier in golf.

Jeannette

Jor’el Taylor

Sports: Soccer

Parent: Savannah Rennels

Class rank: 16 of 65

GPA: 3.6

College: Undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a member of Interact club and works at The Nest. He was all-section in soccer in 2023 and ‘24. He was Student of the Month for December 2024.

Mia Sarpolis

Sports: Softball, soccer

Parents: Nina Carey and Brian Carey

Class rank: 5 of 65

GPA: 4.0

College: Duquesne University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was captain of the softball and soccer teams. She was class vice-president. She was a member of the National Honor Society, highest honor roll and the Challenge Program, and received the Women’s in Science Award from Seton Hill and the STEM Award. She works at the Aerobic Center at Lynch Field in Greensburg.

Kiski Area

Carson Heinle

Sports: Football, basketball

Parents: Cassi and Chuck Heinle

Class rank: 98 of 257

GPA: 3.8

College: University of Findlay (Ohio)

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a National Honor Society inductee, earned high honors each year and made the Pa. Football News All-Academic team. He lettered four years in football, was captain his junior and senior years, and was team MVP his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He is Kiski Area’s all-time leader is passing, touchdowns, attempts and completions. He works at Curran Funeral Home. He was also team captain in basketball.

Maddie Joyce

Sports: Volleyball, basketball

Parents: Jim and Robin Joyce

Class rank: 53 of 257

GPA: 3.96

College: Fairleigh Dickinson University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a four-year letterman, two-time captain, two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in volleyball. She holds numerous career and school records. She is a member of the National Honor Society, received the AVCA Best and Brightest Award and USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award. She works at Aroma Joe’s and is involved in numerous clubs, including the French club.

Latrobe

Eric Bisignani

Sports: Volleyball, unified bocce

Parents: Geof and Kelly Bisignani

Class rank: 1 of 301

GPA: 4.5

College: University of Notre Dame

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was on the volleyball team for four seasons and was first-team all-section in 2023 and ‘24. He earned distinguished honor roll and was class president and National Honor Society president. He gives weekly private lessons in volleyball and ran a weeklong volleyball clinic last summer.

Madelyn Petruzzi

Sports: Soccer, track and field

Parents: Angela and Nicholas Petruzzi

Class rank: 3 of 301

GPA: 4.3981

College: Valparaiso University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was a finalist at the PA State Invention Convention. She was student council president, National Honor Society treasurer, German National Honor Society president and a member of the Mu Alpha club. She plays club soccer for Beadling. She worked at Wendy’s and Aerie and is a volunteer at the annual blood drive. She was Big 5/6 Conference Player of the Year in soccer.

Ligonier Valley

Hunter Wright

Sports: Soccer

Parents: Carole Patterson and Ben Wright

Class rank: N/A

GPA: 3.8

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was the team MVP in 2024 and was the team captain this past season. He scored a career-high 53 goals and had a career-high 76 assists. He was a three-year all-conference player. He made the honor roll throughout high school. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was vice-president of Spanish Honor Society and president of SADD.

Sydnee Foust

Sports: Volleyball, basketball, softball

Parents: Adam and Corinne Foust

Class rank: 1 of 113

GPA: 4.17

College: Penn State University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She made distinguished honors throughout high school. She earned 10 letters in volleyball, basketball and softball. She plays for the Lady Dukes 18U travel softball team. She finished third in Miss Ligonier and volunteers at the Salvation Army. She led the softball team in RBIs as a sophomore and junior.

Monessen

Christian Williamson

Sports: Baseball

Parents: Robert Williamson and Christina Williamson

Class rank: 9 of 44

GPA: 3.18

College: Slippery Rock University

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a member of Future Business Leaders of America and Students Against Destructive Decisions. He is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. He is a cook at Sonny’s Grille. He’s also made the honor roll throughout high school.

Kendra Jones

Sports: Softball

Parents: Jeff and Erica Jones

Class rank: 2 of 44

GPA: 4.3

College: Penn State University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a highest honors student. Was Rotary Student of the Month in October. She is senior class president and a member of National Honor Society, Leo club and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She teaches at youth clinics with local travel softball teams. She is employed at Laurie’s Hallmark and a Pine Cove Beach Beach Club.

Mt. Pleasant

Joseph Gardner

Sports: Swimming

Parents: Joe and Valorie Gardner

Class rank: 32 of 127

GPA: 3.8

College: University of Pittsburgh

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a three-time USA Scholastic All-American. He is a member of the chess club, Mt. Pleasant Aqua Club, Lions Club, volunteer at Mt. Joy Church and works at Wal-Mart. He is a four-time WPIAL champion and four-time PIAA champion and record holder. He was 2024 PIAA Swimmer of the Meet.

Lily King

Sports: Swimming

Parents: Matthew and Stephanie King

Class rank: 10 of 127

GPA: 4.1028

College: North Carolina State University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She won 16 (eight PIAA and eight WPIAL) individual gold medals. She competed in the Olympic Trials in 2024. She owns school records in six of eight individual events. She is an All-American and owns numerous state records. She is an alter server at St. Florian Catholic Church, student council president and is a member of Council on Substance Abuse.

Norwin

Ryan Schiller

Sports: Indoor and outdoor track and field, soccer

Parents: Kelly and Steve Schiller

Class rank: 67 of 410

GPA: 100.60%

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: Volunteer for Reflections of Grace Foundation race day. Volunteer for Norwin the homecoming committee. Competes for Stallions Track and Field Club, Allegheny Force Football Club and Football Club Pittsburgh. He has earned National Honors Society top 17 percent of class excellence and is a student council rep.

Kendall Berger

Sports: Basketball

Parents: Kate Berger

Class rank: 325 of 410

GPA: 82%

College: PennWest Clarion

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a member of the 1,000-point club. She was a two-time Westmoreland County Player of the Year. She was selected first-team all-WPIAL, Tribune-Review Player of the Year runner-up and was second-team all-state. She collected shoes for foreign countries’ children who don’t have shoes to wear. She went caroling at local nursing homes during the holidays.

Penn-Trafford

Derek Carr

Sports: Football, basketball

Parents: Randy and Dina Carr

Class rank: 47 of 303

GPA: 4.2143

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a member of the National Honor Society and made high honor roll throughout high school. He was president of Student Union. He was a member of Community Action and environmental club. He works at Turner Dairy. He was voted team captain of the football team and was a Westmoreland County all-star.

Kylie Anthony

Sports: Volleyball, softball

Parents: Jillian Koshar and Duane Anthony

Class rank: 67 of 303

GPA: 4.1

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a member of the National Honor Society and high honor roll. She is a member of the Community Action, Allegheny Volleyball Club and Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners travel softball team. She goes to food pantries for community service. She made numerous all-star teams in volleyball and softball.

Southmoreland

Elliot Premus

Sports: Football, basketball, track and field

Parents: Erin Premus

Class rank: 19 of 135

GPA: 4.0

College: Slippery Rock University

Extracurricular activities and honors: He is a member of the National Honors Society. He was captain of the football and basketball teams. He was a member of the Interact club and YEA club. He volunteered for many charitable activities. He was first-team all-conference player as a junior and senior. He also earned all-Westmoreland County honors.

Alexis Ohler

Sports: Cross country, track and field

Parents: Steve and Tara Ohler

Class rank: 1 of 135

GPA: 4.354

College: Carnegie Mellon University

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was a member of DAR Good Citizen of the Year for Southmoreland. She received departmental awards in language arts and mathematics. She was student council historian and a member of the National Honor Society. She owns the Southmoreland cross country course record. She is a four-time PIAA qualifier and a two-time WPIAL medalist.

Valley

Landon Harclerode

Sports: Tennis

Parents: Joe and Dana Harclerode

Class rank: 8 of 155

GPA: 4.0442

College: Rosedale Technical College

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was the section doubles champion in 2022-23 and the singles and doubles champion in 2023-24 He was a PIAA doubles qualifier in 2023-24. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honors Society. He received the school’s Academic Excellence Award. He was a member of the Interact club. He also helped Toys for Tots and at a Christmas dinner.

Janelle Norman

Sports: Basketball, track and field

Parents: Joel and Tonya Norman

Class rank: 1 of 155

GPA: 4.2

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honors Society. She was also a member of the marching band, ski club, Spanish Club and Science Club. She works at Chipotle. She was nominated for the Cager Classic.

Yough

Raidon Kuroda

Sports: Football, wrestling, baseball

Parents: Tobi Kuroda and Amelia Jones.

Class rank: 55 of 149

GPA: 3.7

College: Seton Hill University

Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a four-time all-conference linebacker. He played quarterback where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and passed for more than 1,000 yards. He was a member of Spanish National Honors Society and a volunteer at the food bank. He was captain of the football and wrestling teams.

Adoria Waldier

Sports: Softball, volleyball

Parents: Chris and Theresa Waldier

Class rank: 11 of 149

GPA: 4.2

College: undecided

Extracurricular activities and honors: She was president of The Future is Mine and a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. She helped with a softball pitching clinic and softball skills clinic. She works at Target and Urban Air Adventure Park. She holds the record for home runs (nine) during a season. She has been selected numerous all-star teams.

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.

Tags: Belle Vernon, Burrell, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Valley, Yough