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
20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Pine-Richland