Midd-West High School’s Young American for September 2025 is Maura Aurand. She is the daughter of Amos and Amanda Aurand of Middleburg. Maura exhibits strong leadership skills. As a member of the Midd-West FFA, Maura has served as the Historian, Secretary, and President. Maura has received the Star Greenhand and Chapter Degree. At the FFA State Level, Maura competed in the Talent Competition, placing third in 2024 and second place in 2025. She has received the honor of being selected as Pennsylvania’s 2025 National FFA Talent entrée and will perform at The National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, she is active in the Big Dreamers 4H Club where she has held positions as the Historian/Reporter, Vice President, and President. Maura was selected and served as the 2024-25 Beaver Community Fair Queen, which has provided opportunities for her to attend multiple community events to promote the Beaver Community Fair. She is a member of the Junior Fair Board. She earned the 2023 Grand Champion Market Goat at the Beaver Fair. Maura also served in Choir as the Soprano Section Leader and was selected for the 2024 District Choir. Maura gives back to her community by donating blood, volunteering at food drives, attending multiple mission trips, and volunteering at the Paxtonville Church and The Rock Youth Group. In school, Maura participates in Field Hockey, Track & Field, Choir, and Vocal Collective. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the Distinguished and Honor Rolls throughout high school. Maura has been chosen as the Student of the Month in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th. She enjoys playing the guitar, as well as breeding, raising, and showing livestock. In the future, Maura plans to attend college to major in Animal Science and minor in Ag Business. To prepare for this Maura carries a Swine Breeding project and is very progressive with her genetic selection. This project incorporates intensive Livestock Evaluation skills, Artificial Insemination for breeding, as well as careful marketing strategies to sell show pigs. Maura believes she was chosen as a Young American because of her ability to be a strong leader both in and outside of the classroom. She shows kindness to everyone and is always willing to help wherever it's needed. Maura’s work ethic is very important to her, and she always gives her all in everything she does. She is passionate about what is important to her and strives to be an advocate for others. Maura would like others to know that she is self-taught on the guitar and enjoys performing at community events.