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WHEREAS, Areya Simmons is an 18 year old phenomenal young lady with a bright academic future ahead; and
WHEREAS, a native Pittsburgher, Areya Simmons has been educated in both Somerset and Allegheny County Schools. While a school student, Areya contracted Mercury poisoning on two separate occasions, once due to contaminated tuna fish, the second due to mercury spill in a classroom. At that point, her mother Stephanie decided home schooling would be best for her daughter; and
WHEREAS, home schooling has truly benefited Areya. A firm foundation was set for Areya, she returned to school and was able to attend design class at Community College of Allegheny County, receiving a top grade in that class; and
WHEREAS, from 2001 to 2005, Areya developed a passion for film and fiction literature. The summer of 2005, she made her first film, a short documentary on mercury contamination called "Hg and Me", which won two awards from the SciTech Spectacular Bayer Creating Awareness and Understanding of our Surrounding Environment Challenge; and
WHEREAS, in April 2007, Areya received the Gates Millennium Scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which covers any unmet financial need for minorities heading to college. The year 2007 was the first year that Gates began giving out 1,000 scholarships to deserving students, and Areya was one of them. Out of the 11 Gates Scholars from Pennsylvania, Areya Simmons is the only Gates Scholar from Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, Areya has been a part of The First Tee of Pittsburgh at Schenley Golf Course for over seven years, and has offered her time at numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Areya Simmons for all of her outstanding academic achievements and wish...
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