Bethel Park High School senior Brady McKiernan was recognized as the September Student of the Month by the Bethel Park Rotary Club during a special ceremony at The Garden Restaurant on Gardenville Road. McKiernan, honored for his outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service, maintains an impressive 4.457 weighted GPA. His accomplishments extend beyond the classroom, where he shines in music and athletics.
A multi-talented student, McKiernan plays the French horn in the school’s marching band, a skill he began honing in the fourth grade. He also plays the trumpet in the jazz band, showcasing his versatility as a musician. As a swimmer, McKiernan is a standout, specializing in the Bethel Park swim team's 100- and 200-meter freestyle events. His dedication to the sport extends into the community, where he has volunteered to assist the summer league coaches for the Bethel Park recreational swim team.
In addition to his musical and athletic endeavors, McKiernan is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). Through that group, he serves as a volunteer tutor, helping fellow students excel academically. He also participates in the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO), a professional-level student music ensemble that demonstrates his advanced musicianship skills.
McKiernan's future aspirations are equally impressive. He is actively pursuing an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA), a highly competitive process where only approximately 1,400 to 1,500 out of roughly 5,000 nominees are selected annually. He is also applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) programs at several East Coast schools.
"Service has always been important to me," McKiernan said, reflecting on the influence his grandfathers, who served in the U.S. Air Force and the Marine Corps, had on his desire to serve. "Seeing how they led their lives served as a great example for who I wanted to be."
McKiernan’s academic and career interests align with his goal of service. He hopes to pursue an aerospace or astronautical engineering degree and one day build rockets.
Despite his busy schedule, McKiernan finds time for personal hobbies, including lifting weights, which he describes as "setting the tone for the day, like my coffee." He also enjoys playing chess in his free time, demonstrating his sharp, strategic mind.
McKiernan's eyes lit up when asked about possibly attending the USNA. "It would mean everything to me," he said. "I knew since I was a freshman that I wanted to enroll in the Naval Academy. I love the idea of getting up every morning with your squad and having responsibilities bigger than yourself."
McKiernan attended the USNA’s summer seminar program earlier this year, where he was inspired by the leaders he met. "The seminar leaders were the most driven people I’ve ever met," he said, solidifying his desire to pursue this path.
For more information about the Bethel Park Rotary Club and its mission to support outstanding students like McKiernan and others, visit their Facebook page or contact local Rotarians directly.
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