Honoring Changemakers at Great Valley & Conestoga High Schools

May 19

April was National Volunteer Month, but we can still honor the selfless individuals and groups who work tirelessly to strengthen and uplift their communities every month.

Special recognition was given to local high school students whose dedication to volunteering, school initiatives, and civic engagement has shone brightly.

At a recent 20th Annual Breakfast of Champions event hosted by the Paoli Business & Professional Association (PBPA) at the Upper Main Line YMCA, three students each from Conestoga High School and Great Valley High School were recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts.

The celebration was made possible through the Front Porch Trust Scholarship Fund, established by the Paoli 250 Anniversary Committee and the event organizer, the Paoli Business and Professional Association (PBPA).

Deepest thanks to the incredible sponsors listed below whose support has helped the fund to continue:

WSFS Bank (Lead Sponsor)
The Allstate Logan Insurance Agency, Paoli
The Allstate Foundation
Paoli Ford
Our Deli, Paoli
J Anderson Wilson
Linda’s Country Cleaners
Edward C. Auble
Lynne Williams – Resumes & LinkedIn | GreatCareers.org
Paoli Business and Professional Association
Upper Main Line YMCA

The Vital Role of Youth in Volunteering

High school volunteers bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a genuine passion for service. Their contributions go beyond academic requirements, shaping their personal identities and preparing them to become lifelong contributors to society.

These students, who we honor, have been involved in many diverse initiatives.

Transformative Impact on Communities

Student-led projects often catalyze positive change, enhancing the quality of life in their towns and cities. These young leaders are making a tangible difference by identifying community needs and taking action.

Bridging Education and Real-World Experience

Volunteering allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges, helping them build critical skills like:

Leadership
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Communication

These experiences enrich their educational journeys and prepare them for future academic and career success.

Building Future Civic Leaders

Through hands-on involvement, students deepen their understanding of diversity, empathy, and civic responsibility. These early experiences are stepping stones to future leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

Encouraging Continued Involvement

National Volunteer Month serves as a reminder to encourage, support, and recognize volunteers, especially young ones. Schools, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders play an essential role in creating opportunities and celebrating the contributions of these future leaders.

Celebrating Our Local Student Heroes

The Breakfast of Champions highlighted the remarkable work of the following students as they read their essays:

Conestoga High School:

1st Place: Ella Skrdla
2nd Place: Kevin Peng
3rd Place: Brianna Feng

Great Valley High School:

1st Place: Shivika Varshney
2nd Place: Sabrina Maldonado
3rd Place: Benjamin Gunderson

The event featured inspirational remarks from Beverly Logan, President of the Front Porch Trust and the Allstate Logan Insurance Agency, and a keynote address by Abby Morgan of Thom Stecher & Associates, who spoke about the personal rewards of giving back.

Jennifer Pyc and MaryAnn Piccione, representing local State Representatives Melissa Shusterman and Kristin Howard, respectively, presented certificates of achievement to the students.

Ed Auble of Auble Financial delivered closing remarks with recognition to WSFS Bank for their two decades of support. William McGahey, VP and Retail Office Manager of WSFS, also serves as President of the PBPA.

Showcasing Achievements on LinkedIn

Students are encouraged to document and showcase their volunteer achievements on LinkedIn:

List awards under Honors & Awards
Record service under Volunteering
Highlight projects such as the Eagle Scout Project or Gold Award Project under Projects

For more information on how to use LinkedIn effectively, check out the Great Careers Network’s upcoming events!

Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation

High school students’ commitment to volunteering is not just meeting today’s community needs—it’s building tomorrow’s leaders.

As Margaret Mead wisely said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate these incredible young changemakers who remind us that no one is too young to make a meaningful impact.

As a nonprofit servant leader who lives and runs a business in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, I applaud my fellow alum from Conestoga High School and those from our neighboring Great Valley School District. Bravo everyone! Well done! Continue to be Go-Givers and pay it forward throughout your life.

Written by Lynne Williams for Vista.Today.

Bill McGahey