Olivia Kitchen, a Bethel Park High School senior, has been recognized as the Bethel Park Rotary Club’s January Student of the Month for her academic excellence, leadership roles, and dedication to inclusion initiatives.
Daughter of Robert and Tracy Kitchen and older sister to Anthony (Grade 10), Olivia maintains a weighted GPA of 3.7 while actively participating in various extracurricular activities. She plans to attend Slippery Rock University next fall, where she will double major in early childhood and special education.
Olivia is a two-sport athlete who excels on the Bethel Park girls' soccer and unified bocce teams and competes with the Beadling Club Soccer team.
Her aspiration to become a special education teacher aligns with her passion for inclusion. As president of Bethel Park’s Best Buddies chapter, Olivia is pivotal in fostering friendships between students with and without disabilities, promoting an inclusive school environment and a culture of acceptance.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe, happy, and included at school,” she said. “Some students just achieve that inclusion differently than others.” Despite her leadership role, Olivia emphasizes that her primary role is being a friend to her buddies. “We hang out just like I do with the girls I play soccer with—listening to music, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying typical teenage activities.”
Olivia works outside of school at the YMCA daycare center and plans to participate in Camp AIM this summer. The camp, designed for children and young adults with various developmental and communication-related challenges, will allow Olivia to help campers develop life skills, confidence, and positive social interactions through activities such as aquatics, arts, and physical education.
The Bethel Park Rotary Club honors students like Olivia Kitchen for their leadership, community involvement, and commitment to making a positive impact. For more information about the Rotary Club and its programs, visit their Facebook page or contact local Rotarians.
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