They are musicians, athletes, scholars and Scouts.

They have an incredible work ethic, superior time management skills, boundless energy, dedication and enthusiasm. More importantly, they are people who genuinely care about others.

The Best and Brightest class of 2023 includes 20 high School seniors from 18 high schools in six counties. There are 13 girls and seven boys that represent the potential of the class of 2023.

The Best and Brightest were honored during a ceremony on May 24 at Colonial Golf and Tennis Club. The speaker was JT Mullins, a 2019 Best and Brightest winner from Hershey High School and a 2023 graduate of Yale University. Mullins is a Rhodes Scholar and will study at Oxford University in England this fall pursuing a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice.

The presenting sponsor for the ceremony was Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. The silver sponsor was UPMC.

During the ceremony, each winner was given a framed photo of themselves taken by award-winning PennLive photographer Sean Simmers, along with a gift card.

At the awards ceremony, the winners saw a video submitted secretly by their family and friends expressing their support and encouragement.

Students are invited to apply for the Best and Brightest award themselves. They submit an application along with two letters of recommendation and an essay describing how they have made a difference in their community and/or school and how that experience will help them to contribute to a better society.

Applicants are asked to list their academic achievements, honors they have received, extracurricular activities, community involvement and employment. They also are asked to name someone they consider to be a mentor and their plans for after high school.

The process of evaluating the applications is never easy.

A panel of nine current and former educators read all of the applications to determine a list of semifinalists.

Then, a panel of nine judges representing various parts of the community such as faith, education, the arts, government and business, read the semifinalist applications and selected the 20 winners.

Best and Brightest was founded in 1993 by The Patriot-News by John Kirkpatrick, former editor and publisher/president of PennLive/The Patriot-News, and Cate Barron, current president of PA Media Group.

While the way the program is administered has changed over the years, one thing hasn't — the unfailing desire of PennLive/The Patriot-News to highlight high school seniors who are making a difference in their schools and communities while achieving academic success and in some cases, overcoming tremendous obstacles.

These are the members of the Best and Brightest class of 2023. Their profiles are written using information they provided in their applications. Not all awards, activities and honors are listed. The honors listed are primarily for the 2022-23 school year.

Tijesuni Ademuwagun

School: Milton Hershey School

Parents: Yomi and Toyin Ademuwagun

In her words: Tijesuni writes about a medical mistake that left her father with a disability. "The strongest emotion I felt, however, was indignation. However, his feeling of indignation has become a beacon of hope; whenever I feel the heat of its anger, passion awakes. To me, that is community service; to right a wrong. It is what prompted me to become a pillar for the residential elementary kids of Milton Hershey School. It is what started the fight for diversity in clothing and equalizing of double standards. It is what opened my mouth to speak of the stereotypes that withhold epidural from colored pregnant women, ignorance concerning the difference in healthcare for people of color, and the systematic disadvantages in medical care."

In their words: "Tijesuni is a fantastic leader and team player. Her positivity radiates throughout the classroom. She is committed to making the world a better place by sharing even the smallest of gestures, a smile. … A trustworthy, reliable, and caring student and friend are just a few noteworthy qualities of Tijesuni. She is an absolute pleasure to have in class and a student with a true heart of gold. Her positive attitude and belief in herself, even in the face of difficulty, is an admirable asset. I'm confident that she will continue to demonstrate the same determination, commitment, and helpful hand that she has shown her teachers, peers, and community throughout her lifetime." - Jessica Hillier, dance instructor, Milton Hershey School

Honors: National Honor Society; bronze medal, Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Scientific Olympiad; gold medal, Kangourou sans Frontieres; distinguished honor roll; Est Digne D'obtenir Le Présent Certificat - Association Américaine Des Professeurs De Français.

Activities: Milton Hershey Dance Department, student government, junior chapel volunteer, HACC EMT class and certification, gospel choir, New Horizons show choir, praise dance team, Milt to Milt student volunteer, student intern at Country Meadows of Hershey and Kartik J. Desai Medical Center, Ellicott City, Maryland.

Mentor: Jessica Hillier, dance instructor at Milton Hershey School

Plans: Will attend Brown University to major in neuroscience.

Lauryn Chotiner

School: Central Dauphin High School

Parents: Erik and Robyn Chotiner

In her words: "For me, teaching has become a wonderful conduit to share my love of learning with my classmates and community. However, teaching's greatest benefit to me has been the connection that it cultivates with others. Teaching allows me to make a difference in someone else's life and in the process immeasurably enrich my own. … I've learned that education lies far beyond mastering academic concepts and ideas; it lies in the ability to share what you know, connect with, and guide others. It means to positively influence the world around you. My students showed the most success when I demonstrated empathy, patience, and connectivity. It feels extremely rewarding to connect to all different types of students. I enjoy discovering techniques to teach math concepts and seeing the impacts of increasing children's skills and confidence."

In their words: "Lauryn's level of focus, responsibility, and ability to consider and analyze differing perspectives was always evident in the classroom. ... When describing Lauryn's leadership style, I would characterize her as a highly likable, kind, and thoughtful young woman. ... She combines intelligence and self-discipline with kindness, open-mindedness, and an engaging personality. Students like Lauryn are very rare and extremely enjoyable to have in class, as the level of positive engagement that they bring to the learning environment is immeasurable." – Steven Tecau, social studies teacher, Central Dauphin High School

Honors: National Honor Society; AP Scholar; Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference; captain, girls' tennis team.

Activities: Helped to organize Kids Instructing Kids tutoring program, linear algebra team for the Pitt Data Jam, working on Six Sigma green belt, Key Club, No. 1 singles player for varsity tennis team, reader and host for Reading 365, piano, secretary of student council.

Mentor: Darren Rabinowitz, coordinator, Diller Teen Fellows program, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Plans: She will attend Georgetown University to major in business.

Atticus "Drake" Christianson

School: Commonwealth Charter Academy (Waynesboro)

Parents: Christopher and Bethany Christianson

In his words: "Through teaching others, I felt more connected to the community as I had the wonderful opportunity to build its stronger tomorrow. Volunteering at these camps has given me a valuable perspective, in that educating others has motivated me to pursue global service opportunities in building a greener society through learning. Furthermore, my passion for studying the sustainability of our natural world in combination with scientific innovation grew. In pursuit of my interests in physics and environmental science, the topic of astrobiology ignites my passion for discovery. This topic greatly excites me because in learning how we can grow nutritious food in space and make cosmic travel safer on the human body, we enter the realm of a sustainable presence beyond our world."

In their words: "He has been a tremendous student and will be missed at our school as he pursues his future dreams. I have seen many examples of his leadership abilities, strong character, amazing talent inside and outside the classroom, among his peers, and have been impressed by his diligence and work ethic. … Drake is a dedicated learner and thus far his grades have been exemplary in five AP classes this year. " – Jonathan Fried, principal, Commonwealth Charter Academy

Honors: Distinguished honor roll; CCA Excellence in Achievement Award; Real World Design Challenge International, second place team; Real World Design Challenge National, champion team; Real World Design Challenge State, champion team; FIRST Dean's List finalist, Yale, MIT and Worcester Polytechnic Institute; third place, Bentley University Senior Stock Market Challenge; Pennsylvania Certificate of Merit; Science National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society; National Honor Society.

Activities: Aquaponics internship, Real World Design Challenge, FIRST Robotics Competition, Hagerstown Community College College for Kids camp volunteer, Authentic Community Theatre's Art in the Woods camp counselor, piano.

Mentor: Kayla Gomez, AgWorks Biotechnology Specialist at Commonwealth Charter Academy.

Plans: He will attend Yale University with a dual major in astrophysics and environmental science.

Katherine Elliott

School: Bermudian Springs High School

Parents: David and Jessica Elliott

In her words: "Throughout these volunteering experiences, I have truly enjoyed connecting with others who I might not normally have the opportunity to meet. Volunteering is quite an amazing concept. Speaking in economic terms, volunteering offers a high return on investment and even though I was not looking to 'fill my own proverbial cup,' I received huge unexpected dividends. I learned new skills, such as woodworking, gained customer service experience when I worked at the information booth, and learned masonry skills when applying tiles to the Bermudian mural. Volunteering has enriched my life and I plan on making it a lifelong priority."

In their words: "Kate has consistently shown herself to be one of our school's most talented individuals. She has steadily showcased an extraordinary ability to function at the highest level in the realm of scholastic achievement. Her attitude, demeanor, and character contain the aspects consistent with those needed to handle the commitment required in regards to her desire to attend a rigorous academic program. Kate's talents prove her to be a step above the rest, and I have seen her hard work and talent on display as both a student and an athlete. … I consider her one of the most bright and diverse students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. Most students are rarely that mix of character, kindness and talent. Kate Elliott excels at all three …" – Ryan Updike, social studies teacher, Bermudian Springs High School

Honors: National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, qualified for the YMCA National Swim Meet, East Berlin VFW Voices of Democracy essay award winner, HACC dean's list.

Activities: 2022 homecoming queen, high school swim team, York YMCA and Coast Guard Blue Dolphins Swim teams, high school marching band flute section leader and soloist at halftime, concert band, Girl Scouts bronze and silver awards; lifeguard at Lake Meade Community Pool.

Mentor: Ryan Updike, teacher, Bermudian Springs High School

Plans: She will attend Penn State University to major in architectural engineering.

Madeline Galvin

School: Harrisburg Academy (Carlisle)

Parents: Michael and Alecia Galvin

In her words: "Heads pulled off my Barbie dolls, beads broken off my necklaces, sassy pink nail polish splattered across my room. Together, they made me realize that my younger brother suffered from something I didn't understand at the time but soon would: autism spectrum disorder. With a mother fighting cancer and a father often traveling for work, it also marked the beginning of me playing a much more active role in my brother's life than I had expected. As we grew together, my perspectives, my goals, my passions, and my attitudes were shaped by the challenges we faced together.

By taking care of my brother, I realized that life didn't revolve around me. … Thanks to my brother, I now find myself focusing my time, passion, and effort on those problems that can have a meaningful impact on the lives of those around me."

In their words: "Maddie has great leadership ability. She is a great speaker and communicator. She understands human nature and listens well to others to help them with cognitive issues, physical impairment and mental instability. Maddie displayed courage and bravado when working with at-risk youth, many who had violent crimes. Maddie also has shown the true colors of her heart by being a guiding light to her brother who is diagnosed with autism." – Michael Murphy, president, Set Point Tennis Organization

Honors: FBLA competition, second in region; Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, first in region; National Honor Society; French Honor Society; Tri-M Music Honor Society; academic excellence award and IB Summer Scholar award, Harrisburg Academy; University of Rochester Xerox Innovation and Information Technology Award.

Activities: President, FBLA; student council vice president; president, Tri-M Music Honor Society; Studio '91 dance team; varsity tennis team; plays flute in the orchestra; choir; ENGin tutor, virtually tutoring students in Ukraine; student ambassador; founded Eric's Voice, nonprofit for autism awareness.

Mentor: Richard Huy, French teacher, Harrisburg Academy

Plans: She will attend the University of Notre Dame to major in finance.

Rachel Kaintz

School: South Western High School

Parents: Erich and Katrina Kaintz

In her words: "With my various avenues for serving others: through being a state officer for Key Club International, playing music at church, founding the INSPIRE club and leading the STEM activities, and creating a free little library for a local elementary school, I have found ways to serve others that comprise my interests and passions. I believe serving others has made me a more well-rounded citizen and has given me new skills, perspectives, experiences, and friendships that will support my future success, while building a better world. Service empowers me to remember all the people and experiences that have raised me to where I am today and to return the favor by supporting others."

In their words: "Rachel possesses the skills necessary to be successful in most careers; she is dedicated, mature, intelligent, compassionate, and hard working. She possesses the ability to make lasting changes within any community she is a part of and she will undoubtedly leave her mark wherever her path takes her. … Her willingness to look for opportunities to create new organizations to fulfill a need in our community also speaks to the type of person she is and how much she truly cares about improving the lives of others." – Rebecca Black, chemistry teacher, South Western High School

Honors: Technology Student Association, state finalist; York County Distinguished Young Women Leadership Award; Colleen Brown High School Scholar scholarship; distinguished honor roll; National Field Hockey Coaches Association Scholar of Distinction; National Honor Society; Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Activities: Technology Student Association; founder of INSPIRE program for elementary students to explore passions and interests with after-school clubs; Key Club; marching band.

Mentor: Dave Daniels, elementary science teacher, Berks County

Plans: She will attend Penn State University, Schreyer Honors College, to study environmental engineering.

Alayna Kelly

School: Susquenita High School

Parents: Matthew and Tina Kelly

In her words: "My passion for helping others began when I became a big sister. I helped my sister, Brielle, with everything I could. Brielle could not walk, so I got her everything she needed. At dance classes, I was there helping her hold her walker, and cheering her on. I was so excited for her to come to school and walk her to her classes, that we began school early. I began teaching her to write her name the summer before she went to school. Unfortunately, Brielle passed before I could finish teaching her. … My passion for helping others has only grown since then. I still teach dance classes, and I see my sister in all of the children I get to help. I love teaching in all forms."

In their words: "Alayna gives her all not only in the academic arena, but she has also excelled in the field of athletics and theatre in our high school. She consistently played field hockey for Susquenita School District for the past eight years. Furthermore, this bright young lady has participated in multiple plays and musicals throughout her high school career. As her teacher and play/musical director, I can honestly say that Alayna has been an asset in every production. … As a young child, Alayna was faced with the tragic death of her younger, and only sister, Brielle. ... What I appreciate most about Alayna is her determination, her self-discipline and her passion to help others." – Rosario Eppley, Spanish/ESL teacher, Susquenita High School

Honors: Distinguished honors, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science awards, grand champion of school science fair, Rural and Small Town Recognition Award from The College Board, The Seal of Biliteracy Award for English and Spanish, National Honor Society, vice president of the Spanish National Honor Society; Spirit of Theater Award, 2023 Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards.

Activities: Perry County School of Dance student and volunteer teacher, school plays and musicals, field hockey.

Mentor: Rosario Eppley, Spanish teacher, Susquenita High School

Plans: She will attend Dickinson College as a pre-law student with a double major in Spanish.

Leah Kemper

School: Upper Dauphin Area High School

Grandparents: Jeff and Wendy Paradise

In her own words: "Growing up my relationship with my parents has been complicated. I am so thankful that I ended up with my grandparents. It truly is the best thing that could have happened to me. They helped to shape me into who I am today. ... Due to my own unfortunate circumstance growing up, I have become a stronger person. It helped me to become more responsible and to become a leader. My goal is to make something of myself and become successful. I also find much joy in helping others in need and contributing to my community. … I have made myself readily available to anyone who might need someone to talk to. You never know what someone might be going through, so I try to be there for everyone. A little bit of kindness can go a long way. I plan to keep making a difference in my own community and wherever I may end up in my future as well."

In their words: "Leah is not your average student as she takes pride in her work and has a determination to succeed and thrive in the world. Leah has many positive characteristics that are not seen in many teens of today. She is humble, compassionate, responsible, respectful, hardworking, critical thinking and has a positive personality that sets her apart. Leah not only has these characteristics, but a passion for learning. ... Raised by her grandparents, Leah had to make a choice early in her life to be resilient and overcome her parent choices. This has not always been an easy road for Leah, but she perseveres and continues to grow each day towards a bright future." – Joann Brim, wellness teacher, Upper Dauphin Area High School

Honors: National Honor Society, Trojan Leadership Academy.

Activities: All senior year classes at HACC, youth group, volleyball, volunteer at Northern Dauphin Human Services Center including Project Prom Wear and the community garden.

Mentor: Joann Brim, wellness teacher, Upper Dauphin Area High School

Plans: She has applied to the diagnostic medical sonography and radiologic technologist program at HACC.

Jack Liedtka

School: Annville-Cleona High School

Parents: Karl and Jen Liedtka

In his words: "This past school year, I began privately tutoring a small number of students in algebra, and the incredible experience I've had doing so has opened my eyes to the joy that is helping others to gain a new perspective on what is for many an impossibly challenging subject. I find that many students are, frankly, scared of mathematics. … My primary goal in tutoring is to show students a new perspective on mathematics - one that reveals it as not just a set of random rules, but a system built solely on logic. I find incredible beauty in the order of mathematics and the way its many concepts elegantly interact with each other and countless phenomena in the sciences and other fields. I always hope to show my 'students' the beautiful side of mathematics, not only because it makes the subject more sensical, but more enjoyable to study as well. The joy that comes with knowing that I have helped someone achieve something that they didn't think possible and overcome a very real anxiety has been an incredible motivator for me."

In their words: "Potentially more impressive is Jack's service to his community and ability to take on challenges outside of his comfort zone. As a servant leader, he was a virtual English tutor for underprivileged Latin American students during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and has over 100 hours of additional community service promoting literacy awareness at a low-income housing community, as a camp counselor, and for a variety of service programs. … His list of accolades is highly impressive, but the most astounding aspect of Jack is his compassion for others, servant leadership, and drive to positively impact all with whom he interacts." – Matthew Gross, Annville-Cleona High School counselor

Honors: Eight-time Pennsylvania Music Educators Association medalist, including all-state band; College Board Rural and Small Town Scholar award; AP Scholar; Quiz Bowl League All-Star; president, National Honor Society.

Activities: Class vice president; student council president; play and musical performer and student producer; jazz band; marching band; concert band; drum line captain; concert chorale; chamber choir; Church of the Good Shepherd praise band; Quiz Bowl captain; Mathematics/Computer Science Team; Model United Nations; volunteer through the LVC Office of Community Service; private tutor; dual enrolled at Lebanon Valley College.

Mentor: Raymond Kreiser, mathematics teacher, Annville-Cleona High School.

Plans: He will attend Dartmouth College to major in mathematics and physics.

Rachel Lyn-Sue

School: Hershey High School

Parents: Jerome and Esther Lyn-Sue

In her words: "As school returned to normal [after the pandemic], we saw those students in person at the library for our lessons and experiments. Seeing their wide eyes as they hung onto every word about the heart, the weather, or a crime scene simulation made me truly realize the impact we were making as a club [Science for All] onto our community. After noticing how rewarding it was to make a positive impact on the local level, I have certainly been inspired to contribute to a better society as a whole, through steps both little and big. Furthermore, that experience taught me the value of creativity in finding solutions using resources like technology as well as not being afraid to speak up if I have an idea. Education is the key to improving our society, and my experience at Science for All has motivated me to continue its mission in educating students from all backgrounds about science, throughout high school and beyond."

In their words: "Rachel is a very intelligent student. She is one of the top students that I have had the pleasure to teach AP chemistry. … Rachel is not only a bright young lady but also has a warm personality. She is honest and trustworthy as well as fun and jovial. She has the kindest heart and is always trying to help others when they need it. Rachel's respect for teachers is above and beyond any that I have encountered. She is a mature young lady with a lighthearted personality that makes it easy to like her." – Kimberly Haney, chemistry teacher, Hershey High School

Honors: National Merit Scholarship winner, Chemistry Olympiad National Qualifier, varsity track and field and cross country, College Board National Recognition Program Award, distinguished honor roll, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Certificate of Merit, PMTA piano superior rating, Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences, Math Honor Society, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District and Regional Orchestras.

Activities: Science for All Club, Hershey Medical Center volunteer, student council, COVID Action & Relief Effort Club, Link Crew leader, Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Mentor: Haw Ru Lin, piano teacher

Plans: She will attend the University of Pennsylvania to major in chemistry.

Isabella Mirarchi

School: Trinity High School

Parent: Sarah Mirarchi

In her words: "Along with my passion for conservation, I always try to educate those in my school community about various life skills that will be used now and in the future as president and founder of the Home Economics and Life Sciences Club at Trinity. I introduce other teens to the importance of nutrition, the development of baking and cooking skills, involvement in their community, taking responsibility for their finances and budgeting, and their physical and mental health to their overall well-being and the well-being of their community."

In their words: "I am able to recommend Isabella without reservation. Isabella is uniquely the whole package. She obviously has strong leadership qualities but her caring and empathetic nature makes her a wonderful person. She is that rare person who can see a problem and then, without hesitation, follow through in solving the problem. I have greatly enjoyed working on projects with Isabella over the past couple years. I look forward to following her accomplishments in the future." – Ann F. DePaulis, Esq., Appalachian Audubon Society, youth committee adviser

Honors: National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, College Board National African-American Recognition Program.

Activities: Conservation Ambassador, Wildlife Leadership Academy, Appalachian Audubon Society, founder and president of Home Economics and Life Sciences Club, captain of the varsity cross country team, BioMed Club, Birding and Conservation Club, Highmark Caring Place volunteer, yearbook club, Kairos leader, Astronomy Club, Patriots Club, environmental club, New Hope Ministries volunteer.

Mentor: Chris Pushart, cross country and track coach, Trinity High School

Plans: She will attend Villanova University as a pre-med major.

Abigail Nissley