Pine-Richland High School senior Savannah Null has her sights set on a bright future. The 18-year-old daughter of Jeff and Rusti Null was recently named one of only 10 Nordenberg Scholars by the University of Pittsburgh for 2017. As such, she will receive full tuition to the university, internships and study abroad opportunities.
To say Savannah has been very involved and successful at Pine-Richland High School would be an understatement. She is the secretary of the National Honor Society, an officer in the Best Buddies Club, involved in Student Government, a member of Thursday Morning Devotionals( a Christian club that meets before school on Thursday mornings for prayer, worship and fellowship) and part of the All-Girl Tuba Line in the PRHS Marching Band.
Some of her favorite subjects are AP U. S. History, Astronomy, Child Development and French, and Savannah credits much of her success to many of the great teachers at Pine-Richland, including Mrs. Florijan, Mr. Gugger, Mr. Joyce, Dr. Poulakos, Dr. Switala and more.
“ Pine-Richland High School has provided me with so many opportunities and experiences that I will be forever grateful for,” she says.“ I have been nurtured and so prepared academically during these past four years, and PRHS has challenged me to be the best version of myself.”
Outside of school, Savannah dances at Tammy’ s School of Dance twice a week, and teaches piano lessons to three neighborhood kids. She’ s also been involved in Girl Scouts since kindergarten and has completed her Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards throughout the years. Savannah is highly involved with her church, Northway Christian Community, and an active part of its youth group.“ I love volunteering at Youth With a Mission on Saturday mornings and working with refugee children around the Pittsburgh area, running a sort-of weekly Bible program,” she notes.
Savannah learned about the Nordenberg Leadership Scholarship in late September, when Pitt had sent an email with the opportunity to apply. After the initial application, which included basic information about volunteer and leadership experience as well as test scores, a letter of recommendation and an essay about the importance of leadership and service, she had a Skype interview with the selection committee in early November. In February, she was invited to a formal interview on Pitt’ s campus, and in March received her scholarship invitation.
“ The Nordenberg Leadership Scholarship is unique because it incorporates rigorous academic engagement with an ambitious and structured curriculum outside the classroom designed to challenge scholars to excel in leadership, global awareness, citizenship and civic engagement,” Savannah explains.“ I feel so honored to be one of the 10 scholars chosen among a large pool of outstanding individuals.”
Her parents couldn’ t be more proud.“ We are so very proud of Savannah in both her academic endeavors as well as her involvement and leadership in so many extracurricular and community activities,” says Jeff Null.“ She is one of the most determined people we know, and once she sets her mind to something— you can count on it getting done.”
Savannah plans to study Applied Developmental Psychology and intends to pursue a master’ s degree in Early Childhood / Elementary Education and Special Education.“ Pitt has a really unique Education program that will allow me to earn a master’ s degree in five years— all while exposing me to the science of how children learn instead of just focusing on how to teach them,” notes Savannah, who decided to pursue education as a degree / career path because of her true passion for building up future generations.“ I think the foundation of education begins at a very young age, and teachers have a huge influence during these early stages. I have been so blessed with many motivational and inspirational teachers who have pushed me to be the best, and to strive for success in my early years of education. I want to be able to help lay the foundations of success for the future world changers.”
Her dream job would be teaching at an underprivileged or inner city school, or possibly in a developing country. She is considering the pursuit of a Global Studies certificate— hoping she can experience different cultures, leading to an international career.
“ I want to have an impact on the world, through the lives of misunderstood and overlooked children,” Savannah says.“ They deserve just as much of an education as my peers and I were privileged to receive at Pine-Richland.” ■
Making
Her Mark
Pine-Richland High School’ s Savannah Null named Pitt Nordenberg Leadership Scholar.
BY NICOLE TAFE
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