Jonah Cahn of Abington Heights High School
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
A: One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is founding my own quartet, The Vivace Project, to bring live music to elderly residents through intimate performances in senior homes. I started the group after I had lost my grandpa, with whom I had always shared a passion for music. Through my grief, I found playing songs that we used to listen to together grounding, and I wanted to carry that forward by connecting with others. While it wasn’t always easy, reaching out to elderly residents and slowly building a name for our group, it has since become a fulfilling experience. Elderly residents sing and even dance to songs that bring them back to their youthful days. Being able to give back to my community is rewarding, and beyond that, I get to honor my grandpa through the music we play.
Q: Whom do you most admire and why?
A: The person I admire most is my old MathCounts coach, Bonnie. Starting in sixth grade, I joined our school’s MathCounts team, a club focused on preparing for the MathCounts competition. I was nervous about arriving for the first time, but Bonnie welcomed me right away. She taught us lessons in probability, factoring, and geometry, each time encouraging us and cheering us on. During COVID, she continued to work with me one-on-one over Zoom, where we continued to solve problems in preparation for the competition. She changed the way I thought about problem-solving and how I approach challenges, always providing alternative solutions to our problem sets and ways to continue when I was stuck. Beyond academics, Bonnie has impacted me personally, instilling in me dedication and a desire to serve others. She showed up every day for us, never once failing to make the session engaging and worthwhile. She was compassionate and kind, and although she is not with us today, she made such a great impact on my life. In everything I do, I hope to carry her same kindness forward to others.
Q: What were your most rewarding school or community activities? Why?
A: The most rewarding school and community activities for me have been my continued involvement in the middle school MathCounts team as a coach and my work with the Impact Card Club initiative. Starting my sophomore year, I reached out to the new MathCounts coach asking if I could help co-coach the team because of my own experience in middle school. For the past three years, I have gone to the middle school to teach students, providing guidance and strategies for all kinds of math problems. It’s rewarding being able to be a part of their passion for math, just as my own coach did for me, and seeing how excited the students get to learn. In addition to this work, at my high school, my friend Liam and I founded the Impact Card Club, an initiative to create and distribute handmade cards to members of the community who could use some recognition. Since founding it my junior year, we have made around 1,000 cards for the elderly, children in hospitals, teachers, and first responders. It is especially rewarding to personally deliver the cards to members of our community and to see our club members build a space where they can connect with friends while creating something that meaningfully brightens someone else’s day.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: In my spare time, I enjoy a mix of music, athletics, and spending time outdoors. I have played the cello and piano for several years, and music remains an important creative outlet for me beyond orchestra ensembles and my quartet. I compose my own music, creating pieces on the cello and piano that resonate with me and let me express myself. I have played in orchestra pits, getting to be a part of productions such as “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Hadestown.” I enjoy staying active, going for a run in my neighborhood or playing tennis on the high school team or with my friends. When I have time, I like to spend time outside hiking or being in nature, helping me reset from stress and giving me a moment to breathe.
Q: What are your plans after high school graduation? Why did you choose this path?
A: After high school graduation, I plan to pursue a degree in the sciences on a pre-medical track, with the goal of ultimately attending medical school. I chose this path because I want to be there for people at the scariest moments in their lives and help them receive the care they need to continue living their lives fully. I want to lead with kindness and make the experience as easy as possible for my patients. From my own experience, I remember how reassuring it was when I went to a doctor at CHOP for a second opinion on a fractured shoulder. He spoke to me with patience and genuine care, offering reassurance and life advice, and treating me with kindness and respect. I aspire to be that way for others, continuing to build on a foundation I have built through serving others in my community and developing the skills I need to serve others through medicine.
Q: What is your advice to younger students?
A: My advice to younger students is to not be afraid to start before you feel ready. Many of the most meaningful experiences I have had came from saying yes to opportunities even when I was uncertain or inexperienced. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from waiting around for perfect conditions, but rather showing up consistently and being willing to learn, fail, and try again. I also recommend telling others how much you appreciate them. Whether that be your mom, your teacher, or your coach, a note of appreciation can go a long way. Maybe even write them a thank-you card.
Q: Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is …
A: I find meaning in creating connections — through music, mentoring, or small acts of service.
A little about Jonah Cahn
Jonah Cahn of Abington Heights High School was inspired by his grandfather to form a group to perform for senior citizens. He is described as self-assured, determined, polished and highly capable.
The Clarks Summit student is the son of Joel Cahn and Karen Cahn.
The quartet is called The Vivace Project. Jonah plays the cello in the school orchestra.
He was a member of the Science Olympiad, Robotics and tennis teams, vice president of the Geography Club and a leader of the Math Club. He is active in community theater.
Jonah Cahn (COURTESY OF JONAH CAHN)