The Bethel Park Rotary Club’s December Student of the Month is Bethel Park High School senior
Haiden Hunter. He was recently recognized at a small luncheon at
The Garden Restaurant [4912 Gardenville, Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15236].
As a student, Haiden has participated in several global awareness-type activities. Most notably, last summer, he was the only high school student to intern at Lehigh University’s Global Village, an international business development program with approximately 50 students from nearly 30 different countries. There, Hunter developed and conducted a research study on the effects of multicultural experiences in relation to how students ranked the value of specific critical business skills and mindsets. He was later invited to make that same presentation to the program’s program.
Hunter has a strong interest in computer science and has built several computers. He intends to study computer science or software engineering in college. He is also the president and co-founder of Bethel Park’s Esports Club, a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council of Students (PACS), and he competes on the boys tennis team. His true passion, however, lies in entrepreneurship.
“I just love coming up with an idea for how to do something different or better than what is being done now and seeing it through to completion,” he said. “It’s a fascinating challenge.”
Hunter acknowledges that while not all of his businesses have been successful, they have each proved valuable. “One of the most rewarding aspects of starting any new venture is taking some of the lessons you’ve learned from previous projects and applying them to your newest effort,” he said.
Haiden’s most recent endeavor is a small embroidery company he founded to help small startups and non-profit organizations. “I work with young up-and-coming bands or other groups, and we help them develop a design to help get their name out there,” he said, adding that he is currently working with the high school’s Environmental Club on a similar project.
Hunter has also put his efforts toward community service. Last year, he teamed up with high school English teacher Mr. Justin Travis and classmate Colin Fink to record a spoof holiday album called “Merry Christmas.” They sold enough compact discs – yes, compact discs – to raise more than $1,000 for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. They are embarking on a similar endeavor this holiday season.
Haiden is the son of
Steven and
Tracie Hunter.
Students are nominated for Bethel Park Rotary Student of the Month by administrators, teachers, students, or community members. They are chosen based on academics, scholastic, extracurricular, civic honors and awards, organization membership, and leadership.
At a monthly luncheon, honorees receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution to their community. For more information on Rotary and its mission, please ask any Rotarian about it or visit
bethelparkrotary.org. You can also visit their
Facebook page.