Bethel Park High School senior Nora Welch has been named the Bethel Park Rotary Club's September Student of the Month, recognized during a ceremony at The Garden Restaurant for her academic excellence, leadership, and service to the community.
Welch, daughter of Allison and John Welch, maintains a 4.3 weighted GPA while juggling an impressive array of activities. She serves as co-president of DECA and Homecoming, vice president of both her class and the Student Government Association, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Environmental Club, and Best Buddies.
A four-year member of DECA, a student organization that prepares emerging leaders for careers in marketing, finance, and business, Welch has been a state finalist for the past two years, including last year's competition in Atlanta.
"I have been involved with DECA for four years. I love being part of something that is fun and interesting and can also help the community," she said.
On the soccer field, Welch is a captain and midfielder for the varsity Black Hawks, a role she embraces with characteristic thoughtfulness.
"My job as captain is to help create a positive atmosphere for our team and help push the girls, especially the younger players, to achieve their best," she said.
Welch is also working with the Big Heart Foundation on a community project focused on raising funds for a scholarship and awareness about the dangers of low-head dams, an initiative she hopes to pass on to underclassmen. Her community involvement also includes cleanup efforts at the former Neil Armstrong Middle School campus, recycling initiatives at the high school, volunteering at DECA fundraisers, the Bethel Park girls soccer team's youth summer camp, and St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church's Vacation Bible School.
Welch credits her family as her strongest support system, particularly her younger sister, Emma, a seventh grader, and older sister, Molly, a sophomore at John Carroll University, one of several schools Nora is considering.
Her favorite class is marketing, and she credits her marketing teacher, Mrs. Emily Smoller, and her philosophy teacher, Mr. Jeff Bouch, as sources of inspiration.
Welch is still weighing her college options but is interested in pursuing a career in retail buying, though she remains open to where her path may ultimately lead.
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