Volunteer, Band Member Cecelia Allison Aims for Career in Cardiology

It's a wonder how Cecelia Allison finds the time to maintain her consistently-high grade point average, while maintaining an active schedule outside the classroom.

The daughter of Andrew and Minna Allison, she and her family moved to Peters Township from Philadelphia when she was three years old, and since then she has been active not only in school activities, but community activities too.

Her involvement in school, sports and as a volunteer serves as an example to her younger brothers, Grant and Teddy.

As a freshman at , Allison has been taking honors Biology and honors Integrated Math courses since eighth grade, and is now taking honors courses in English, American Government, Integrated Math III, Chemistry and Information Technology.

She hopes to follow the career path of her father, a physician at Weirton Medical Center and an emergency room doctor at Canonsburg General Hospital. She hopes to become a cardiovascular surgeon.

Her activities outside the classroom have made her resume even more impressive.

A saxophone player in the high school marching band, she has been a member of the swim club since 2001, and serves as a Learn to Swim Instructor. She holds gold, silver and bronze awards for her work in the Girl Scouts, in which she is still active, and she enjoys photography and writing. 

She is also actively involved in dance and has been dancing with Janet Hays & Co. since 1999, and the Kickline Dance Center. She has studied and performed tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theater, modern and lyrical dance.

Her poem entitled, "Words," was published in the Collected Whispers Amateur competition in New York. She's passionate for writing and enjoys journaling her experiences.

Her volunteer work in the community includes being a counselor at Bible School, St. Lucy’s Auxiliary for the Blind, Easter Seal’s Adult Day Care and work at Friendship Village Senior Care facility.

She anticipates devoting at least 120 hours of community service by 2013, and is a candidate for the annual Medallion Ball, which honors young women with outstanding community volunteer service.

As she prepared to travel with the PTHS band for a trip to Disney World, Allison took time to talk with us. 

Patch: You’re so active in community service. Is there any area that is special to you?

Allison: I really like all of the things that I’m doing. Working in the senior care setting is especially rewarding. Even with people who have Alzheimer’s, who may not remember you doing things with them, you know that you’ve made them happy.

Patch: So many people who volunteer say they get as much if not more out of the experience than the people they’re helping.

Allison: Oh, I agree. It humbles you, while making you thankful for what you do have. It makes you feel so good to help other people and to see and know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.

Patch: You’re involved in swimming, dance and music with the band. Which would you say you enjoy the most?

Allison: I’ve enjoyed them all. Swimming is a great sport and so are the other things, such as dance and playing in the band. I have yet to discover which (is) my true passion.  There are a number of things that I enjoy doing like meeting, talking with and helping people. I love doing that.

Patch: Family seems to be something that is very important to you.

Allison: Oh it is. I talk to my mom all the time and my family is very supportive of me. They come to see all the football games where I’m playing in the band, they’re at all my swim meets and dance recitals. It’s something that is very special to me.

We congratulate Allison and wish her the best of luck. Do you know of an amazing child or teen? Read how to submit your Whiz Kid nomination .