Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) is proud to recognize the recipients of the 35th annual WPIAL James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award, with 20 candidates (10 male, 10 female) selected from a group of 151 nominees.
Each winner is awarded a scholarship of $1,000 to attend the college of their choice. This year's group brings the amount of scholarship money given by the WPIAL to its James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award recipients to $779,000 since 1992.
The 20 winners are listed below, as well as an overview of each recipient's varsity career.
| 2026 WPIAL James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award Winners |
|
| Male Recipients |
Female Recipients |
| Carson Bellinger (Avonworth) |
Claire Bacu (North Allegheny) |
| Andrew Corfield (South Side) |
Natalie Carr (Canon-McMillan) |
| Robert Faddenn III (Mohawk) |
Emma Currrier (Quaker Valley) |
| Joseph Felitsky (North Catholic) |
Josie Fontana (Oakland Catholic) |
| Ben Hays (Bentworth) |
Juliette Leroux (South Fayette) |
| Alex Klein (Peters Township) |
Megan Mehall (Southmoreland) |
| Dylan Klinger (Charleroi) |
Mya Morgan (Elizabeth Forward) |
| Jonathan Stetchock (Hempfield Area) |
Brooke Price (Plum) |
| Aaron Walsh (Chartiers-Houston) |
Morgan Ross (California) |
| Colin Whyte (West Greene) |
Lauren Rush (Chartiers-Houston) |
Claire Bacu (North Allegheny) – 4.541 GPA … Earned seven varsity letters across swimming and diving … Member of the four-time section champion and four-time WPIAL champion swimming and diving team … Earned WPIAL gold medals as a senior in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle events and served as the 200 freestyle runner-up in prior years … Won PIAA gold medals in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle as a senior and was a member of two state champion teams as a freshman and sophomore … Holds numerous pool records in the 500-yard freestyle at Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, North Allegheny, and Seneca Valley, as well as the North Allegheny 200 freestyle relay and 500 freestyle varsity records … Recognized as a four-time Swimming All-American and a two-time Scholastic All-American … Named to the All-Section and All-State teams for the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, and various relays throughout all four years of high school … A two-time first prize winner in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and a recipient of a presentation award at the Pennsylvania Regional Science and Engineering Fair … Served in Student Council and Key Club and volunteered over 150 hours with North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) and at the Passavant Hospital ER … Organized both clothing and food drives for the community and swimming team … Plans to continue her academic and swimming career at Brown University.
Carson Bellinger (Avonworth) – 4.39 GPA … Earned eight varsity letters across football and basketball … Captained both the football and basketball teams as a senior … Led the football team as quarterback to an undefeated 15–0 season, culminating in both the 2025 3A WPIAL Championship and the 2025 3A PIAA State Championship … Earned First Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore, Second Team All-Conference honors as a senior, and was a PA All-State 2nd Team selection … Named a finalist for the Willie Thrower Award, recognizing him as one of the top five quarterbacks in Western Pennsylvania … Amassed 5,304 career passing yards and 65 touchdowns while leading his team to four consecutive WPIAL championship appearances from 2022–2025 … Recognized in the top 10% of his senior class and is a two-year member of the National Honor Society … Served as a volunteer coordinator for youth flag football camps and a leader for the "Got Sneakers?" community fundraiser … Plans to study finance in the Honors Program and continue his football career at John Carroll University.
Natalie Carr (Canon-McMillan) – 4.54 GPA … Earned four varsity letters in volleyball … Served as a two-year captain for the Big Macs … Recognized as a three-time All-WPIAL and All-Section First Team selection and earned PIAA All-State honors as both a junior and senior … Led her team to three consecutive section championships and two WPIAL championship appearances … Named a Big 56 First Team All-Conference selection as both a junior and senior … Honored as the 2024 Observer-Reporter Volleyball Player of the Year … Member of the National Honor Society and the National Science Honor Society … Served as a student council officer and a leader in the Captain's Council … Volunteered all four years as a Canon-McMillan volleyball coach to mentor youth athletes in skills and sportsmanship … Dedicated time as a junior and senior to making blankets for donation to patients at the AHN Cancer Institute … Plans to study biology and continue her volleyball career at Youngstown State University.
Andrew Corfield (South Side) – 4.29 GPA … Earned 11 varsity letters across football, basketball, and baseball … Captained all three varsity programs as a senior … Cemented his legacy in football as South Side's all-time leading rusher, breaking the school record during a senior season where he was named Big 7 Offensive Player of the Year … Selected as a First Team All-Conference running back and defensive back and earned PIAA All-State First Team honors … On the hardwood, became the boys basketball all-time leading scorer in school history during his senior year … In baseball, garnered All-Section honors as an outfielder and helped lead the Rams to multiple deep postseason runs … Member of the National Honor Society and served as a representative on the Student Council … Volunteered with his youth group to run holiday dinners for those in need and dedicated time to mentoring younger athletes at the Little Dribblers and Youth Football camps … Plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Emma Currier (Quaker Valley) – 4.70 GPA … Earned eight varsity letters across soccer and track & field … Served as a team captain for both the soccer and track & field teams as a senior … Recognized as an All-Section soccer selection as a junior and senior and earned All-WPIAL honors as a senior … Helped lead her team to a WPIAL soccer runner-up finish and a section championship … In track & field, was a WPIAL finalist and PIAA state qualifier in the triple jump … Established the second all-time indoor triple jump mark in Quaker Valley history … Served four years on Student Council and was the Student Representative to the Quaker Valley School Board as a junior and senior … Dedicated four years to Key Club and participated in the Quaker Valley MiniThon … Volunteered for the Bethlehem Haven Women's Shelter through toiletry drives and auction fundraisers … Plans to study business and sport management in college.
Robert Fadden III (Mohawk) – 3.98 GPA … Earned 16 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, track & field, and golf … Served as a team captain for both the football and basketball programs as a senior … In basketball, cemented his legacy as Mohawk's all-time leading scorer … Named a two-time All-Conference selection in football at both wide receiver and defensive back… A standout golfer who qualified for the WPIAL individual championships … Member of the National Honor Society and recognized as a Mohawk Scholar-Athlete … Served as a student leader on the Superintendent's Advisory Council, the Principal's Advisory Council, and the Student Athlete Advisory Council … Dedicated time as a volunteer coach for the Mohawk youth football and basketball camps … Plans to study business administration.
Joseph Felitsky (North Catholic) – 3.52 GPA … Earned varsity letters as a standout member of the football program … Served as a team captain and solidified his place as the all-time North Catholic leader in passing yards and touchdowns … Led the entire state of Pennsylvania in both passing yards and touchdowns for the 2025 season … Made WPIAL history by recording the most passing touchdowns in a single season (46) and the most passing yards in a single half (433) … Became only the third player in league history to lead the WPIAL in passing yards for two consecutive years … Recognized as a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 and TribLive HSSN Terrific 25 selection … A two-time finalist for the Willie Thrower Award and a KDKA Radio Super 7 3A finalist … Earned a spot on the Butler Eagle Sweet 16 Offense for two straight seasons … Highly active in school and community service, including volunteering for the North Catholic Open House and the NC Forensics cleanup … Dedicated time to the Holy Sepulcher Summer Fest and performed landscaping for the local convent … Assisted as a coach for the North Pittsburgh Ironmen youth football camp … Plans to study sports management in college.
Josie Fontana (Oakland Catholic) – 4.55 GPA … Earned seven varsity letters across basketball and volleyball … Served as a team captain for both the basketball and volleyball programs as a senior … Cemented her legacy as the first athlete in school history to record both 1,000 career points in basketball and 1,000 career kills in volleyball … Reached both milestones during her senior year while leading the Eagles to back-to-back WPIAL Class 4A basketball championships in 2025 and 2026 … Recognized as an All-State, All-WPIAL, and three-time All-Section selection in basketball … In volleyball, was a standout middle hitter, earning All-Section honors while leading the team in blocks and kills … Member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society … Beyond the court and the classroom, serves as vice president of Student Council, is a leader on the Kairos retreat team, and acts as a student ambassador for visitors to Oakland Catholic … Participated in the Pittsburgh Mission Trip all four years of high school, dedicating time to serving those in need throughout the community … Plans to study business and play basketball at the University of Richmond.
Ben Hays (Bentworth) – 4.0 GPA … Earned 13 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, and track and field … Served as a team captain for the football program during his senior season … Cemented his legacy as the school's all-time leader in both career rushing yards (3,842) and total touchdowns (51) … Reached these milestones while leading the Bearcats to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025 … Recognized as the WPIAL rushing and scoring leader as a senior and a three-time All-Section selection in football … In basketball, was a standout point guard, earning All-Section honors during both his sophomore and senior seasons … Member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society … Beyond the field and the classroom, serves as president of the Student Council, is a peer mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and acts as a volunteer youth coach for local athletics … Participated in the community cleanup project all four years of high school, dedicating time to improving local parks and public spaces … Plans to study chemistry and play football at Washington & Jefferson College.
Alex Klein (Peters Township) – 5.00 GPA … Earned seven varsity letters across football and volleyball … Served as a three-year captain for the volleyball program and was a veteran leader for the football team … Helped lead the Indians football program through the most successful stretch in school history, including a WPIAL championship in 2023 … Recognized as a two-time All-Section selection in football and a First Team All-Section honoree in volleyball … A high-achiever in the classroom, he completed seven AP courses and earned the Berger and Green Scholar Athlete of the Week award as a senior … Member of the National Honor Society and an active participant in the Medical Mentorship program at Peters Township, where he completed over 75 hours of orthopedic surgery shadowing … Beyond the field, serves as an Ambassador for rising freshmen and held leadership roles as President and Treasurer of the St. John 23rd Youth Group … Dedicated a week each summer to a mission trip in Preston County, WV, focused on improving local living conditions, and volunteered as a youth flag football coach … Accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Program to pursue his goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon … Plans to study biology at John Carroll University.
Dylan Klinger (Charleroi) – 4.04 GPA … Earned 10 varsity letters across soccer, football, golf, baseball, and track … Served as a captain for the soccer and baseball programs … Established himself as one of the premier scorers in the region, capturing the WPIAL goal-scoring title as a junior and surpassing the 100-career goal milestone during his senior season … Led the Cougars to back-to-back WPIAL runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023 … Highly decorated on the pitch, he was named an All-State selection, a two-time Section Player of the Year, and a three-time All-WPIAL and All-Section honoree … Displayed versatility as a multi-sport specialist, earning second-team All-Conference honors as both a kicker and a punter for the football team … Member of the National Honor Society and a consistent Honor Roll student while managing a rigorous 22-credit course load … Beyond athletics, serves as the Vice President of Student Council and a member of the Class Executive board … Committed to community service through initiatives such as "Stuff the Bus," Charleroi Clean Up Day, and the local food pantry … An avid member of the Ski Club throughout high school … Plans to study cyber security and play soccer at Mercyhurst University.
Juliette Leroux (South Fayette) – 4.08 GPA … Earned eight varsity letters across basketball and volleyball … Served as a team captain for both the volleyball and basketball programs during her senior season … Cemented her legacy as a member of the elite 1,000-point club in basketball while leading the Lions to consecutive postseason success … Recognized as a premier dual-sport athlete, earning First Team All-State, All-WPIAL, and All-Section honors in volleyball for three straight years … In basketball, was equally dominant as a multi-time First Team All-WPIAL and All-Section selection, additionally earning All-State honors as both a junior and senior … Honored as the Player of the Game in both the WPIAL (2024) and PIAA (2025) championships … Member of the National Honor Society and a perennial Principal Scholar and Scholar-Athlete Award winner … Beyond the court, she participated in the German Club and dedicated time to her community by volunteering at youth basketball and volleyball camps throughout her high school career … Completed specialized coursework in Honors Healthcare Concepts and Medical Terminology to prepare for a future in the medical field … Plans to study medicine and play Division I basketball at Florida Atlantic University.
Megan Mehall (Southmoreland) – 4.38 GPA … Earned seven varsity letters across track and field and soccer … Served as a team captain for the soccer program and a veteran leader for the track team … Established herself as one of the region's premier middle-distance runners, holding the school record in the 400m and earning a WPIAL silver medal in the 800m … A six-time WPIAL qualifier and three-time PIAA state qualifier, she has amassed over 20 medals throughout her decorated track career … On the soccer pitch, was a standout scorer and a two-time All-Section recipient while leading the Scotties to multiple postseason appearances … Academically elite, she ranks first in her class of 140 students and was honored as a consistent Scholar-Athlete and National Honor Society member … Beyond the arena, serves as Vice President of Student Government and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, the Interact Club, and the Youth Education Association … Dedicated extensive time to community service, including volunteering for the Healthy Kids Running Series, Reading Buddies, and local food drives … Pursuing a long-term goal of becoming a prominent problem solver in the STEM field, she has completed a rigorous course load including AP Calculus, Physics, and Microbiology … Plans to study engineering at West Virginia University as a member of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering.
Mya Morgan (Elizabeth Forward) – 4.52 GPA … Earned four varsity letters in golf … Served as a four-year team captain, leading the Warriors to back-to-back section championships and the first team titles for the program since 1998 … Established herself as a historic figure in WPIAL athletics as a two-time WPIAL individual champion and the first athlete in school history to win an individual PIAA state championship … Holds the Elizabeth Forward scoring records for 9, 18, and 36 holes and was twice named the WPGA Junior Girls Player of the Year … A highly decorated scholar, she was selected for the EFHS Elite 20 and is a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society … Beyond the green, she serves as President of the Leadership Academy, Vice President of the Leo Club, and lead anchor for the EFHS News Team … Demonstrated a commitment to innovation and service by founding a grant-funded virtual reality program for Alzheimer's therapy and volunteering as a junior coach for the Kuhn Golf Academy … Recognized as a US National Development Program Grant recipient, one of only 100 in the country … Plans to study electrical engineering and quantum finance at Central Michigan University, where she was awarded the prestigious Leadership Advancement Scholarship.
Brooke Price (Plum) – 4.5 GPA … Earned 16 varsity letters across swimming, lacrosse, cross country, golf, and volleyball … Served as a four-year lead-off backstroker for the medley relay, leading the Mustangs to four consecutive top-10 WPIAL finishes … A standout aquatic athlete, she was a four-time individual WPIAL qualifier in the 100 back, 200 IM, and 500 free, while also qualifying for the PIAA state championships … Demonstrated incredible range as a three-time WPIAL qualifier in cross country and a section champion in both swimming and lacrosse … Highly decorated as a 16-time Scholar-Athlete Award recipient and an AP Scholar with Distinction, ranking in the top 10 of her graduating class … Member of the National Honor Society and the Girls' Leadership Association, where she served as President for two years … Beyond athletics, she was elected Senior Class Secretary, crowned Homecoming Queen, and served as the Floor Director for Plum's 25th Annual Make-A-Wish Telethon … Dedicated her time as a Sunday School aid, volunteer swim instructor, and Vacation Bible School counselor …She plans to study nursing at the University of Pittsburgh.
Morgan Ross (California) – 4.0 GPA … Earned eight varsity letters across volleyball and track and field … Served as a team captain for both the volleyball and track programs during her senior season … Cemented her legacy as a top-tier multi-sport athlete, earning WPIAL Class A First Team All-WPIAL and All-Section honors in volleyball while being named the team's Offensive MVP … On the track, established herself as a section champion in the 100-meter dash and was recognized as the team's MVP for two consecutive seasons … Academically elite, she ranks first in her graduating class and was honored with the California Area Athletic Directors' Scholar-Athlete Award … Member of the National Honor Society, where she serves as Treasurer, and an active participant in the Peer Jury and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) … Beyond the arena, she has dedicated over 200 hours to community service, including extensive work as a scorekeeper for middle school basketball, volunteering for Relay For Life, and leading youth volleyball clinics … Recognized for her leadership and positivity, she also participated in the Envirothon Club, Yearbook Club, and Future Ready Leaders throughout her high school career … Completed advanced coursework in AP English and Biology to prepare for the rigors of higher education … Plans to study child development and education and compete in track and field at Washington & Jefferson College.
Lauren Rush (Chartiers-Houston) – 4.46 GPA … Earned nine varsity letters across softball, soccer, and basketball … Served as a multi-year captain for the softball program … Cemented her legacy as one of the most prolific hitters in school history, amassing 117 career hits, 89 RBIs, and a remarkable three-year batting average of .499 … Helped lead the Buccaneers to a WPIAL championship in 2022 … Highly decorated on the diamond, she is a three-time All-State, All-WPIAL, and All-Section selection … On the soccer pitch, was a standout defender, earning All-Section honors all four years and being named the team's Defensive Player of the Year three times … Academically elite, she ranks third in her class and was honored as a consistent High Honor Roll and National Honor Society member … Beyond the field, she was heavily involved in the arts, serving as the Marching Band Vice President, Alto Saxophone Section Leader, and the Dance Captain for school musical productions … Demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership and service as Vice President of the Special Education Club, a representative for Students Helping Others (SHO), and a peer tutor … Dedicated time to her community through the Relay for Life, the See-Saw Marathon Teen Outreach center, and as a youth softball coach … Plans to study engineering and business administration at Baldwin Wallace University, where she will continue her softball career as part of a five-year accelerated MBA program.
Jonathan Stetchock (Hempfield Area) – 107.12 GPA … Earned eight varsity letters across cross country and track and field … Served as a captain for the cross country program … Established himself as one of the premier distance runners in the state, holding school records in ten different indoor and outdoor events, including the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m … A highly decorated competitor, he was the 2025 WPIAL Cross Country runner-up and a multi-event national qualifier, placing 12th in the 5000m at the New Balance Indoor Nationals … Recognized as the individual Westmoreland County champion and a PTFCA Indoor Mile medalist … Academically elite, he ranks third in his class and has been honored as a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction … Recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and dedicated over 100 hours of service to Outdoor Odyssey … Beyond the track, he was an active member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the American Computer Science League, and multiple National Honor Societies for Science, English, and Math… Plans to study biomedical engineering and material science at Carnegie Mellon University, where he will also continue his athletic career
Aaron Walsh (Chartiers-Houston) – 4.38 GPA … Earned 14 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, and track … Served as a team captain for the football, basketball, and baseball programs … Established himself as a historic dual-threat playmaker, becoming the first player in Chartiers-Houston history to record over 1,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in a single season … Highly decorated for his senior campaign, he earned Second Team All-State honors as an athlete and was a First Team All-Conference selection in the Black Hills Conference … On the court, was recognized as a First Team All-Section basketball player during his senior year … Academically elite, he ranks third in his class of 82 students and is a two-time PA Football News All-Academic Gold Team recipient … Member of the National Honor Society, the National Business Honor Society, and a state finalist for the Future Business Leaders of America … Beyond the field, served as Sophomore Class President and participated in the Washington County Peer Jury and the Hope Squad … Dedicated significant time to community service through the Leo Club, Relay for Life, and various youth sports camps, striving to be a positive role model for younger athletes … Plans to study finance and play football at Washington & Jefferson College.
Colin Whyte (West Greene) – 4.08 GPA … Earned eight varsity letters across wrestling and football … Served as a multi-year captain for the wrestling program and a senior captain for the football team … Established himself as one of the most dominant heavyweights in the state, capturing two WPIAL Class 2A wrestling championships and setting a school record with 164 career wins … A nationally ranked wrestler, he finished his career as a two-time PIAA state medalist and the WPIAL pin leader with 33 falls in a single season … On the football field, was a historic defensive presence, earning two All-State selections and setting a school record with 24 tackles in a single game … Honored as the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award recipient and a four-time All-Conference selection … Academically elite, he ranks first in his class of 46 students and was recognized with the Challenge Program Academic Excellence and STEM awards … Member of the National Honor Society, where he serves as Vice President, and President of the Science Club … A dedicated member of the FFA, he earned his Keystone Degree and participated in the P-20 COALs Research Symposium … Committed to community service as a volunteer youth wrestling coach, Little League assistant, and participant in the Adopt-A-Highway program … Completed the AP Capstone program with top scores in AP Seminar and AP Research … Plans to study at Kent State University, where he has signed to continue his wrestling career.