Local high schooler designs Allegheny County's "I voted n'at" sticker
Last winter, Molly Bozick entered an Allegheny County contest. On Tuesday, her design made its debut.
"So, where did the design idea come from?" KDKA-TV's Barry Pintar reports.
"So I wanted to combine the traditional aspects, like the red, white and blue, "I voted," with something unique to Allegheny County and Pittsburgh and I thought a lot about different symbols of our city. So I had like bridges, inclines, Heinz Ketchup, and ultimately, I decided on Pittsburgh-ese, 'n'at,' and then the Pittsburgh colors too."
(Photo: KDKA)
Voters had 10 finalists to choose from, and over 13,000 votes were cast.
"I think it's good for youth to be involved in elections and voting and that sort of thing and I think this brings out that interest," said voter Lisa Locasto.
While there was no prize money, Bozick says the competition has made her think more about voting in the future when she's old enough.
"It's definitely given me more insight into local elections, because usually people just think about national stuff, like what's going on with the president and Congress and stuff, but I feel like, especially local stuff and counties, it's really important," she said.
Bozick says she doesn't want to go into politics, but she may want to go into law.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Early voting starts Thursday for Charlotte's 2025 Primary Election
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It's time to vote, Charlotte! Early voting for the 2025 primary election kicks off Thursday, August 21. Charlotte is the only city in Mecklenburg County holding a primary this year, and it covers key local races like mayor and city council. Here's a quick look at what you need to know. Key Dates: Aug. 21: Early voting begins Aug. 26: Last day to request an absentee ballot Sept. 6: Last day of early voting Sept. 9: Primary Election Day (vote at your assigned location) Where to Vote: On Aug. 21, only Hal Marshall Annex at 700 N. College St. is open for early voting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eight more locations open on Sept. 2 across the city, including libraries and the rec center: East – Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive Marion Diehl Rec Center, 2219 Tyvola Road South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road SouthPark – Southpark Regional Library, 7015 Carnegie Blvd. Steele Creek – Masonic Lodge, 13611 Steele Creek Road University City Regional Library, 5528 Waters Edge Village Drive West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. Who's Running? Big races include: Mayor: Vi Lyles (incumbent) faces several challengers City Council: Seats in all 7 districts, plus at-large candidates See Your Sample Ballot: Want to know who's running before you vote? Reminder: Bring a photo ID with you when you vote early. Most voters will use their driver's license, but there are many types of accepted photo IDs. Voters without an ID can still vote with a provisional ballot. Read 10 facts about photo ID from the N.C. Board of Elections. MORE FROM North Carolina Elections Early voting starts Thursday for Charlotte's 2025 Primary Election Friday is the last day to register to vote in Charlotte's September Primary Montravias King steps back from District 3 race, backs Tiawana Brown despite fraud charges Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Allegheny County Jail corrections officers want to bring back leg shackles for hospital transport
The correctional officers' union at the Allegheny County Jail wants to reinstate leg shackles for hospital transports. "We've had officers kicked in the head trying to restrain somebody. They've suffered concussions, and we're making these tackles right in the emergency room, right around the general public," said Brian Englert, president of the union representing corrections officers. "This is mainly for public safety." Englert has gathered more than 500 signatures from county residents so the Allegheny County Council could bring back the restraints. "We've had 14 attempted escapes over the last 16 months," Englert said. "One person was twice in the same day." KDKA's Mamie Bah asked Englert, "What do you say to people who say this is a human rights issue?" "There's 62 county jails in Pennsylvania," he said. "We are the second largest; we are the only ones not allowed to use leg shackles." It wasn't always like this. In 2021, Allegheny County residents voted on a measure applying only to jail guards to get rid of the shackles under the solitary confinement initiative; nearly 70% voted in favor. "I've heard from some voters that they didn't fully understand what they were voting for," Allegheny County Council President Patrick Catena said. Catena said the petition has to go through a legal review before coming before the council. The councilman said they are exploring different options, including letting the sheriff's office take over transports, but it comes down to taxpayer dollars. "If we're talking about public safety and we're talking about putting people at risk, I believe that would come first and foremost," Catena said. Bah questioned, "Why not just put it back in the hands of voters?" "Honestly, I don't have an answer to that question," Catena said. After the legal review, the council will have 60 days to act. The correctional officers' union says it is no different than the other agencies. "When people are brought into the facilities, whether by police or constables, they are wearing leg shackles, sometimes. When they leave to go to court, even in the courtroom, they sit in the bullpen for hours wearing leg shackles. So, we are the only agency in Pennsylvania not allowed to use them," Englert said.
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Connellsville Area School District to eliminate class rank
Connellsville Area School District is set to welcome students back in five days for the 2025-26 school year, but students are already voicing concerns and fighting to reverse a decision to eliminate class rank. The school board voted in 2023 to remove class rank and replace it with a new honor system for academic achievements. The change will take effect this school year. "We're going to fight for what we see as right for our school district and for the future classes of Connellsville Area High School," high school senior Morgan Nicholson said. Nicholson and other students said they were never informed of the change until recently. "I had no idea this decision was made, and it wasn't very publicly sent out," said Benjamin Metzgar, a Connellsville graduate. Metzgar graduated last year, but said he still has concerns about how the removal of class rank may affect current and future students at the district. "I'm worried that them taking away the class rank, them doing this, will take away motivation and the strive for people that are academically striving and driven like I am," Metzgar said. Class ranks are used to compare students' academic performance to their classmates. "At the last graduation, the valedictorian of the class of 2025 said that he would be the last one. So, that's when it all became very real to me," senior high school student Emma Hull said. Hull helped create a petition this year in hopes that the school board will consider reversing their decision. "We've been emailing them, showing them the petition, talking to them," high school senior Natalie Mangus said. So far, more than 1,000 people have signed the petition. In addition, several students and parents have been attending board meetings, including one this week, where they spoke during public comment to voice their concerns. "These kids are trying to put their mark in society and the future, and you're taking away what they're trying to earn," a parent said during the board meeting. In a statement to KDKA from the district, it said, in part, "The decision to remove class rank was made in 2023 as a result of a culmination of research and discussion spanning over a year's time. The research and debate included the former superintendent, school board, high school principals, guidance counselors, and various student groups. Because the students in 10th and 11th grade at that point had already scheduled their classes under the old system, the decision was made to eliminate class rank effective with the class of 2026. At that time the group took a look at what other area high schools were doing as well as what impact class rank had on college admissions, awards, and scholarships. In the end, it was found that eliminating class rank would not have an adverse effect on those things. Many colleges and universities expressed pursuing a student who was well-rounded, was involved in service groups, extracurriculars, etc. over the number of honors or AP classes someone had on their transcript." The district went on to say, "Further, it was found that in some cases students were feeling forced to load their classes with weighted, honors, or advanced-placement courses instead of taking classes that may be a passion for them or make them more well-rounded such as band, chorus, art, technology, and other elective courses. Some students were requesting to skip their lunch period in order to schedule an additional weighted course." Incoming seniors said they disagree with the decision. "I feel like this will stop students from taking AP classes because they won't feel the need to strive for first place," Nicholson said. "I don't think it's right to not be proud of students who do well in school. I think they should be honored to be doing so well in academics." Hull said that without a class rank, it could put students at a disadvantage when applying for colleges. "There's local schools that a lot of us will be applying to, like Penn State and Pitt, and since a lot of us are applying to those areas, if we had class rank, then they'd be able to see how we compare amongst each other, which we don't have," Hull said. A board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday night. Students and parents told KDKA they plan to attend. "The board's supposed to be the people that support the students and do what's best for them, but we don't feel supported when we heard that it was getting taken away," high school senior Julian Smith said. KDKA asked the superintendent if there was a possibility that the board would reconsider and reverse the decision to eliminate class rank. "That is hard to say, only because hearing of some dissension regarding this issue was brought to light so recently," Superintendent Richard Evans said. "Over the two years since the decision was made, I don't believe anyone within the district was aware of any opposition regarding the elimination of class rank until now. So, it comes at a bit of a surprise. Having said that, the board and administration is always going to hear, consider, and take serious any concern that is brought forth by our students, families, and/or community." As of now, the district said a new honor system will replace class rank. "A new system of honor was put into place that enabled the district to celebrate many more students for their academic achievements. "Cum Laude" - any student with a GPA of 3.80 or higher. "Magna Cum Laude" - any student with a GPA of 4.00 or higher along with the completion of two or more Advanced Placement classes. "Summa Cum Laude" - any student with a GPA of 4.15 or higher along with the completion of four or more Advanced Placement classes. This past year, the district was able to honor 76 students who fell into this category, rather than the traditional top ten based on class rank," the district said in a statement. In a response to the petition, board member Bob Renzi said, "If our board would decide to reinstate class rankings, it could only begin with this incoming freshman class, and we wouldn't have another valedictorian until 2029." Despite going into her senior year without class rankings, Hull said she still plans to push herself to the limit academically. "I want to still get the highest GPA that I can. It's just unfortunate that I'll no longer be recognized for it at graduation," Hull said.
