DREVON NEWTON
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that four African Americans are among the latest honoree class of Junior Achievement of Western PA’s “18 Under Eighteen.” Presented by EQT, the annual event showcases the notable achievements of 18 of the Pittsburgh region’s “most incredible young people,” according to Junior Achievement of Western PA.
The four African Americans are Drevon Newton, Jai’Noah Martin, Mia Clemons and Theo Tedesco. The “18 Under Eighteen” event will be held, Feb. 6, at the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium.
Newton, 18, is an active volunteer at Urban Impact, a faith-based organization that mentors and supports at-risk youth through athletics, performing arts and academic programs. He was introduced to the organization by his adoptive grandparents and, after experiencing first-hand the benefits, knew he wanted to remain involved and make a similar, positive impact on other children. Newton volunteers at Urban Impact summer camps and after school programs as often as possible. He coaches and mentors students of all ages in their intramural sports programs and previously played trumpet in the jazz band. His dedication to the mission and connection with the students was so apparent that the staff formally asked him to work as a counselor, a position typically reserved for college-aged volunteers or older. Newton is also a committed student, taking multiple AP courses and holding a pre-collegiate internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Inspired by his own experience after a football concussion, Newton hopes to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer and give back to athletes who need support and encouragement after injuries.
JAI’NOAH MARTIN
Martin, 17, is an active mentor at ACH Clear Pathways, an arts organization in the Hill District. There, he provides young children with encouragement, support and trusted confidence. Martin is also a powerhouse academically. In addition to leading his peers in the classroom and on the basketball court, he also holds an internship at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Law Firm, where he assists with business operations and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Martin’s success as a student and leader is a testament to his strength and courage. When Martin was just 14, he tragically lost his mother and grandfather on the same day and had to step up to manage many household and caretaking responsibilities. His resiliency to help his family while maintaining his academic and community involvement was commendable and resulted in Martin receiving the 2023 Arthur J. Rooney Courage House Award for his extraordinary courage and perseverance in the face of personal loss. Martin was honored with a luncheon ceremony at Acrisure Stadium last November.
MIA CLEMONS
Clemons, 15, is an award-winning writer who uses her talents to change the world through the written word. Her pieces revolve around thought-provoking discussions and critical thinking, most of which detail the African American experience. Clemons has received many awards for her writing from organizations like the NAACP, the Shanango Valley Urban League and the Democratic Women of Mercer County. She’s also a staff writer for the column “The Culture of Controversary” and works at SLB Radio where she develops, writes and produces podcasts and other journalistic media. Clemons is currently writing a spoken word poem for the upcoming film Ebony Canal, directed by four-time Emmy Award winner Emmai Alaquiva, about the disparities of Black women and children in maternal and fetal medical care. Her poem will be featured in the film and narrated by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Outside of writing, Clemons is a political activist, working with her local representatives to better her community, empower people to vote and encourage child literacy. She also serves as the first and only youth representative to the Democratic Women of Mercer County. Clemons is also the founder of her own nonprofit Mia’s Magical Book Foundation, an organization she began in 2015 to promote literacy and provide books to elementary school children. She’s currently working with the Farrell CAE to create a poetry curriculum to teach students the importance of self-expression. Clemons hopes to soon expand her nonprofit to children’s hospitals and juvenile detention centers juvenile detention centers and will be travelling to Ghana this summer to teach poetry.
THEO TEDESCO
Tedesco is a steward of the Earth and passionate about conservation and STEM. He serves as a conservation ambassador through the Wildlife Leadership Academy where he conducted research on the habitat and anatomy of bears in western Pennsylvania. Tedesco is also currently working to become a scientist and engineer, learning how to be a local leader to protect animals, specifically birds, in their natural environment. Tedesco’s love for conservation and science also has an impact on the younger generation. As a volunteer at the Citizen Science Lab, he increases STEM participation among underrepresented groups through various projects and initiatives. Currently, he’s working with students on a project building microbial fuel cells from bacteria as a battery energy source. Aside from his passion for nature, Tedecso enjoys volunteering and has received the Congressional Silver Medal for Youth for acquiring over 200 volunteer hours. He’s also an academic powerhouse, being named to Duke University’s Talent Identification for Gifted Youth Program and winning first place in a design challenge at Carnegie Mellon University’s Biomedical Engineering Camp.
“Our honorees represent talent and leadership in the region,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of Junior Achievement of Western PA, in a statement to the Courier. “Each year, we highlight students who symbolize a brighter future and challenge conventions with their fresh perspectives. It’s truly motivating and inspiring to collaborate with students dedicated to enhancing our communities, country, and the world!”
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