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Sonia Pitts

Sonia Pitts’ dream of providing help to those needing medical assistance comes from what she has seen in the acts her parents have done for most of her life.

The 18-year-old Warren G. Harding senior for as long as she can remember has been surrounded by people dedicated to nurturing the talents of young people, providing immediate medical services as well as providing physical and spiritual substances.

Pitts’ mother, Tonia Farmer-Pitts, is an ear, nose and throat specialist and her father, Casey, is the owner of a local restaurant.

“I want to be able to give back,” Pitts said. “I feel blessed to be born into this family.”

It is that attitude that got her nominated for the Tribune Chronicle’s annual Twenty Under 20 award. The program is co-sponsored by Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley and AVI Foodsystems.

Pitts understands that she has had opportunities that may not have been afforded to other young people because of those who have surrounded her. She has been inspired by her parents’ achievements.

“I’ve been a part of Jack and Jill of America since I was 2 years old,” Pitts said.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc., has since 1938 worked to empower African American youth through leadership development, community service and cultural enrichment.

As a youth member, Pitts has participated in a variety of volunteer activities on both the local and regional levels. In the last two years, Pitts also has worked with Inspiring Minds, which is an organization that provides opportunities for young people by providing help in doing homework, resume writing, job skills and tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“As a senior, Ms. Pitts has dedicated her high school years toward community service,” Jalaya Provitt, Inspiring Minds high school program coordinator, noted. “As a member of Teen Straight Talk, she helped the organization show teens their worth, how to make clear decisions and understand consequences.”

She also was president of the National Society of Young Black Engineers Junior chapter, where Pitts helped to execute STEM programs.

Knowing the importance of being a well-rounded person, Pitts is an assistant captain on Harding’s volleyball team and is a member of the school’s track team. She also participated in Howland’s and Harding’s ski clubs, as well as Howland’s drama club.

She has worked as a cashier and special events server at Charlie Staples PittBoss BBQ since 2021.

Erin Kampf-Melillo, a counselor at Warren G. Harding High School, described Pitts as one of the most courageous, conscientious and driven students she has encountered in her career.

“She embraced this transition with great zeal,” she said. “As a junior, Sonia chose to take some of our most challenging classes and joined a plethora of school activities.”

Through her volunteering, Pitts assisted in a supplemental food program at the Episcopal church in Youngstown which provides families with fresh produce to take with them, according to Kampf-Melillo. She also volunteered with an established food program at the church that provides hot meals to those in need.

She also leads the planning and logistics of a suitcase drive for children living in foster care.

“Part of this project included (providing) clothing, toiletries and supplies, as well as a toy or personal item,” Kampf-Melillo said.

Academically, Pitts continues to take a rigorous series of classes that include both advanced placement and College Credit Plus coursework. She is the president of the Warren G. Harding National Honor Society, and an active participant in school organizations, including Interact and student council.

Pitts has narrowed the list of colleges and universities she is considering to several HBCUs, including Spelman College, Howard University and Xavier.

“My mom is kind of pushing us toward HBCUs,” she said. “I’ve been to different college fairs. I love seeing people who look like me in leadership roles.”

When not pushing herself academically or through community projects, Pitts enjoys sports, including playing volleyball and softball.

“I like being active,” she said. “I like doing hands-on type of things. I’m not afraid of getting my hands dirty.”

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