Connor Burns

Connor Burns pictured above with Pittsburgh Steelers Brett Keisel and Hines Ward on the set of the Hines Ward Show.

Connor Burns is currently a senior at Trinity Christian School in Pittsburgh, PA.  Burns transferred from Kiski Prep in 2012 in order to continue his training in the sport of karate and pursue his dream of winning a National Black Belt League (NBL) World Title.  He is currently the #2 ranked competitor in of the Can-Am National Conference.  He has earned a seed for the 2012 World Games held in Buffalo, NY. Connor is recognized as the #1 ranked competitor in Pennsylvania in the 15-17 year old 143- lb Sparring category.  Connor has been studying Shotokan karate for over 10 years and won numerous state and regional titles. He is a member of the prestigious Team Kumite all-star travel team.  The team is responsible for the only NBL World titles in the Pittsburgh region over the past decade.

He was honored in 2010 by Trib Total Media and selected to receive the “Outstanding Young Citizen Award” in recognition for his exemplary character, outstanding academic achievement and generous community contributions.  He was honored for his dedication in supporting local food banks through the “scouting for food” initiative.  He also volunteers his time weekly to mentor younger kids apart of his karate school and competitive sport karate team.

Burns is a well rounded scholar athlete.  In addition to his martial arts training, he is deeply committed to earning the Boy Scouts highest rank of “Eagle Scout.”  As a member of Troop Unit No. 257 he is currently an Eagle Scout candidate working on his final project to benefit the Norwin Public Library.  The Eagle Scouts are expected to be leaders in life, and set an example for the entire community. As a senior patrol leader, he was responsible for 65 kids in charge of organizing all troop events, meetings and activities.  Burns finished the 2011 school year with a 3.75 GPA.

Connor is also an accomplished pianist, playing since he was 4 years old.  He was selected to perform for the CFA commencement program in 2009, and has volunteered for numerous chapel services at Christian Fellowship, Saltsburg Baptist Church, and Calvary Baptist Church throughout the years.  He is a model student, champion athlete and avid supporter of the community.