Seventh grader Austin Blick recognized with Kids Who Care Award

Austin Blick, winner of the Kids Who Care Award, poses for a photo

Austin Blick is constantly in motion. The seventh grader at Steel Valley Middle School is an avid baseball, basketball and soccer player, as well as a member of the Steel Valley Marching Band. He’s training to become a youth sports referee while also participating in the middle school drama stage crew. On top of it all, he’s a straight A student who has been part of the middle school student government for the past three years.

Austin’s dedication to Steel Valley and his work through the student government earned him some special recognition recently. Pittsburgh Cares has named Austin as one of its Kids Who Care winners in honor of his willingness to go above and beyond to make a difference in the Steel Valley community. Students can be nominated by teachers, non-profit organizations, and parents, and they can be any student in Southwestern Pennsylvania in grades 1 through 12. The top 10 Kids Who Care winners will receive a Nintendo Switch along with other prizes. They will also be recognized on the PittsburghCares.org website and social media accounts.

Ms. Erin Noblet, middle school teacher and student government advisor, was the one who nominated Austin.

“He comes from a supportive family who promote the same values he displays to those who know him: kindness, strength, and sensitivity,” Ms. Noblet said. “He juggles responsibility with such grace,  and I look forward to his future service opportunities as he continues into young adulthood.”

Amidst his busy schedule, Austin has devoted a substantial amount of time to making a difference through the student government. From helping fundraise through Fast Pitch for the Cure to running online game nights during virtual learning to helping build treat bags and baskets for frontline healthcare workers during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin has passionately worked to help those in need.

Since joining the student government program in fifth grade, Austin’s leadership skills have grown. He’s now helping run social and team building events, attending regional leadership conferences, and serving on the student government’s executive board.

“He doesn't look for recognition, but one can easily spot his efforts in an event,” Ms. Noblet said. “Younger students look up to him because he is a straight A student, an executive board member, and a strong athlete.”

Congratulations to Austin on this wonderful recognition!

Austin Blick, winner of the Kids Who Care Award, poses for a photo