A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE: SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES MULTIPLE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT 18 UNDER EIGHTEEN HONOREES FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Meet the 2025 Honoree Class Members from South Fayette High School
South Fayette Township School District is proud to share that two high school students have been named to the Junior Achievement of Western PA (JA) 2025 18 Under Eighteen honoree class, presented by the EQT Foundation. Since the program’s inception four years ago, South Fayette has boasted two or more students in each group of 18. The honorees for 2025 are both seniors, Nandana Menon and Caroline Praveen.
The 18 Under Eighteen Presented by the EQT Foundation program highlights 18 extraordinary young individuals from across western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia who are breaking barriers and driving innovation while showcasing what it takes to be the next generation of leaders.
“Influence isn’t just about being seen—it’s about creating a ripple effect that inspires action and change,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of JA. “These honorees exemplify the power of purpose-driven leadership, showing that even at a young age, their voices and actions can shape the future in profound and meaningful ways.”
Nandana Menon is no stranger to hard work and recognition. In school, she is the president of the National Honor Society, the student representative on the school board, and a leader in the Technology Student Association (TSA). She also facilitates the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Committee. During her junior year, she was recognized by Walt Disney World as one of their 100 Disney Dreamers, selected from a nationwide pool of more than 10,000 applications. This past summer, Nandana participated in the Bank of America Student Leader program which included an eight-week, full-time, paid internship with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium concluding with a week in Washington, D.C. at a Student Leaders Summit. Only 315 students, chosen from more than 7,000 applicants, were invited to this program.
At the tail end of 11th grade, Nandana learned that she and a classmate had earned a $20,000 scholarship as winners of the 2024 CGI IT Girl Challenge. Their project was an app titled TABU, designed to assist individuals struggling with substance abuse addiction. Nandana has also created and launched an autism app along with CGI Autism Development project in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. These efforts go hand-in-hand with the non-profit organization that she leads, the Autism Unity Initiative (AUI), which provides vital resources and support for individuals diagnosed with autism, as well as their caregivers.
As captain of South Fayette High School’s debate team, Caroline Praveen uses those skills as an active participant in TSA. During her junior year, she earned 2nd place in the state-level Debating Technological Issues category. She also earned 1st in the state for the Forensic Science category. Over the summer, she was named 6th in the nation for Forensic Science at the TSA national convention. Additionally, Caroline serves as president of SF’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter, and was a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program reflecting her exceptional academic promise.
Having immigrated from India, Caroline is particularly sensitive to the culture of others and is focused on helping refugee and immigrant populations. She is the founder and CEO of the Fluency Forward Foundation, a nonprofit organization which works to increase education access in underdeveloped regions and improve the English skills of immigrant families. Caroline is the author of a children’s book titled “Our Colorful Garden” which celebrates diversity. Proceeds from book sales are used to help refugee children through her nonprofit.
In the first year of the 18 Under Eighteen program, there were two seniors honored from South Fayette, Zachary Betz and Griffin Hurt. The 2023 Class included SF seniors Grace Howard and Mohammed Shedeed. Last year, SF boasted three of the 18 honorees with seniors Alekhya Buragadda and Prerna Chakkingal, as well as sixth grader Daniella Neve.
Regarding the overall 2025 honoree class, which ranges in age from 12-18, Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation, said, "This class of talented and highly impressive students exemplify what young adults across this region are working to build - a place where they can make an impact and a change in their communities. We are beyond honored to join JA in showcasing all that they have accomplished in such a short amount of time."
In addition to being recognized at the upcoming reception, Nandana and Caroline, along with their fellow honorees, are participating in the Intern to VP® Professional Branding and Leadership Development Training Program, presented by Moments of Focus LLC. This program equips students with essential skills in personal branding, professional networking, and leadership development—tools that will further empower their journey as leaders of tomorrow.
The honorees are also being featured on local Lamar Advertising billboards around Pittsburgh and surrounding areas prior to the event.
The 2025 18 Under Eighteen recognition ceremony will take place on February 4, at the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. This special event offers attendees a unique opportunity to meet these exceptional honorees, hear their stories, and celebrate their extraordinary achievements.