Local Students Win College Scholarships

PITTSBURGH—Edgar Snyder & Associates is pleased to announce that three local high school seniors won the firm’s “Words to be Heard” college scholarship contest.

The contest asks graduating western and central Pennsylvania seniors to create a presentation that discourages their peers from dangerous driving.

Anna Yaksich, of Springdale Jr/Sr High School, won the grand prize and will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Ms. Yaksich, who is passionate about media production, created a video entitled “Up That Road.” It showcases the consequences of a variety of dangerous driving behaviors, including drunk driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving.

She will continue her education at the University of Pittsburgh’s Honors College where she plans to study computer and information science.

Ryan Fisher, of City Charter High School, was a runner up and won a $5,000 college scholarship. His video, “Be the Driver,” demonstrates the real-life consequences of distraction in the hopes of encouraging teens to put their cell phones down when they drive.

Mr. Fisher will attend Point Park University where he will study cinema production.

Chase Watkins, of Cochranton Jr/Sr High School, was a runner up and won a $5,000 college scholarship. He created a visual art piece about distracted driving based on World War II propaganda posters.

Mr. Watkins will continue his education at Edinboro University, where he will study animation.
Attorney Edgar Snyder, founder and of counsel, thanked every student who entered the contest and congratulated our winners.

"I’m impressed by the effort and creativity that these talented students put into their entries. I’m thankful to see the how much they care about changing dangerous driving behaviors among their peers and wish them the best of luck in the future," he said.

Edgar Snyder & Associates is a plaintiff's personal injury law firm representing people hurt in all types of accidents. The firm also represents injured workers as well as the victims of workplace discrimination and harassment. Office locations include Pittsburgh, Altoona, Ebensburg, Erie, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.EdgarSnyder.com.