YWCA Bucks County focuses on empowering women and eliminating racism. The gala is a fundraising event for programs that provide services to youth, women and families. In addition to the award, Sophia received an American flag flown in her honor over the United States Capitol Building from U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, and formal citations from PA State Rep K.C. Tomlinson and PA State Senator Frank Farry.
Throughout high school, Sophia has made an incredible impact both in and out of the classroom. She has completed more than 275 volunteer hours, mentoring three Bensalem elementary robotics teams, serving as a leadership intern at Camp Invention at Struble Elementary, and volunteering as a cat socializer at Rescue Purrfect, helping prepare cats for adoption.
A dedicated member of the Bensalem High School Fightin' Robotic Owls, Sophia has served as the team's driver since her freshman year, helping lead the team to the Mid-Atlantic Region District Championships for three consecutive years. Her leadership as a driver, programmer, and STEM ambassador earned her recognition as a 2026 FIRST Robotics Leadership Award Semi-Finalist.
Sophia also excels academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking Advanced Placement, gifted, and honors courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has earned first-place honors in Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competitions, and is the second-chair violinist in the BHS Orchestra and a member of the String Ensemble.
Beyond school, Sophia is the owner of STEAMcraft, a small business where she creates STEM kits for children and designs and 3D prints signs and toys. She has participated in 37 craft markets, earned Star Seller status on Etsy, and donated more than 100 3D-printed toys to community events.
This summer (June 21 to July 25, 2026), Sophia is participating in the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) at Carnegie Mellon University.
PGSS is a highly competitive, five-week residential summer program that provides Pennsylvania's top rising high school seniors with advanced learning experiences in science and mathematics while encouraging careers in STEM fields. This year, only 72 students were selected from 575 applicants across the state, placing Sophia among Pennsylvania's highest-achieving students.
While attending the Governor’s School, students live on the Carnegie Mellon University campus and participate in specially designed courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. They also complete laboratory courses, collaborate on research projects, attend seminars and field trips, and work alongside university faculty.
The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences, which is funded by contract from
the PGSS Campaign, Inc., has been hosted by Carnegie Mellon University since 1982. More
information about the program can be found at their website: https://www.cmu.edu/mcs/pgss/
Sophia plans to major in computer science or environmental engineering in college.
Congratulations, Sophia, on your outstanding achievements, leadership, and dedication to serving others. We look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the future!