Student Spotlight: Westminster gains all-star BPHS soccer player

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

February 12, 2025

Jackson Friday controls the ball during a game this past season. Photo courtesy of M&M Photography

BPHS is proud to boast of a talented soccer player in Jackson Friday, who has recently committed to playing for Westminster College.

With a passion for the sport and a strong GPA record, Friday is poised to excel in his academic and athletic pursuits.

As a standout player on the BPHS soccer team, Friday has consistently demonstrated his skills and dedication to the sport. Earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

His relentless work ethic both on and off the field has made him a role model for younger athletes at BPHS and has solidified his reputation as a key contributor to the team’s success.

Friday has been an integral part of the Bethel Park team, helping to lead the Black Hawks to numerous victories and section titles (2023-24/2024-25).

Friday’s hard work would pay off in his junior and senior seasons when he became a 2023 and 2024 WPIAL Class 3A All-Section Player.

His skills and athleticism have earned him recognition and accolades, and he is excited to bring his talents to Westminster.

When asked about his first reaction when contacted by Westminster, Friday stated: “It was exciting because it was my top pick for playing soccer and running track. Both Coach Girish and Coach McNeil are amazing coaches and I was so happy to hear that they wanted me to come and play for them.”

While he has no plans to play soccer beyond a collegiate level, Friday’s commitment to Westminster is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to his craft.

While Friday’s accomplishments and goals as a soccer player and a track star are impressive, his academic goals are just as impressive.

He has committed to majoring in psychology at Westminster, where he’ll also potentially be minoring in criminology.

This exciting combination of interests speaks to Jackson’s passion for understanding human behavior and exploring the complexities of the mind.

“In college, I am most excited to meet new people as well as explore different paths for my future,” he said when discussing what he’s most excited about heading into college.

Friday’s academic achievements are a reflection of his strong work ethic and determination.

His commitment to Westminster marks a new chapter in his life, and BPHS can’t wait to see how he will continue to excel in the years to come.

Friday’s journey serves as an inspiring example for all students at BPHS, proving that dedication, hard work, and a passion for one’s interests can open doors to incredible opportunities.

As he embarks on this exciting adventure, it’s clear that he will carry the pride of his school with him, making a name for himself not only as an athlete but as a dedicated student and future leader.

Westminster College

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer