April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the altruistic efforts of individuals and groups dedicated to enhancing their communities. This month particularly shines a light on local high school students, whose volunteer work, school engagements, and civic activities stand out significantly.
During a recent event at the Upper Main Line YMCA, three students from Conestoga and three from Great Valley High Schools were honored for their altruistic efforts at the Breakfast of Champions. This event was supported by ongoing donations to the Front Porch Trust Scholarship Fund, established by the Paoli 250 Anniversary Committee and the Paoli Business and Professional Association (PBPA), which also organized the event.
This year’s event was sponsored by:
- WSFS Bank, as the Lead Sponsor
- The Allstate Foundation
- The Allstate Logan Insurance Agency, Paoli
- Matthews Paoli Ford
- Our Deli, Paoli
- J Anderson Wilson
- Edward C Auble
- Lynne Williams – Resumes & LinkedIn | GreatCareers.org
- The Paoli Business and Professional Association
- The Upper Main Line YMCA
The Vital Role of Youth in Volunteering
High schoolers offer a distinct vitality and insight into volunteerism, which transcends academic obligations and helps them form their identities and how they may make impactful contributions to societal roles.
Students are leading and participating in projects that may include art, music, cultural celebrations promoting diversity, senior citizens, children, emergency medical services, pediatric cancer, gardening, writing, reading, pets, and more.
Transformative Community Impact
Students are often pioneers in initiating and leading community projects that significantly benefit local towns and cities.
Educational Enhancement and Personal Development
Volunteering enables students to transition classroom knowledge to practical applications, enriching their educational journey and building essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Civic Engagement and Leadership Preparation
Active participation in civic duties equips students with the foundational skills necessary for future civic and leadership roles.
Moreover, the hands-on nature of volunteering ensures that students gain a deepened appreciation for diversity and community needs.
Promoting Ongoing Engagement
National Volunteer Month is an excellent opportunity to support and motivate high school students to continue their commendable efforts. Schools, community groups, and local authorities play a crucial role in offering volunteer opportunities and acknowledging the contributions of young volunteers.
Celebrating Our Local Heroes
The Breakfast of Champions event featured encouragement and recognition for the students. Beverly Logan, President of the Front Porch Trust, hosted the event. Abby Morgan from Thom Stecher & Associates delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the personal intrinsic rewards of volunteering.
Jennifer Pyc and MaryAnn Piccioni, representing local state representatives Melissa Shusterman and Kristin Howard, respectively, awarded certificates to the students.
William McGahey of WSFS Bank, president of the Paoli Business and Professional Association, closed the event with words of encouragement.
Champions from Local High Schools
- Conestoga High School: Michelle Wei (1st place), Jui Bhatia (2nd place), Riley Neilon (3rd place)
- Great Valley High School: Owen Li (1st place), Joseph Benson (2nd place), Sophie Becker (3rd place)
Leveraging LinkedIn
These students can showcase their achievements on LinkedIn under Honors & Awards, document their volunteer activities under Volunteering, and detail projects like the Boy Scouts Eagle Project or Girl Scouts Gold Award in the Projects section.
To learn more about using LinkedIn or LinkedIn for Nonprofits, check out the upcoming events at the Great Careers Network!
Conclusion
The dedication of high school students to volunteerism not only addresses immediate community needs but also lays the groundwork for lifelong service and civic involvement.
Their actions exemplify Margaret Mead’s statement, “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 support and celebrate these young leaders, who remind us that everyone, regardless of age, has the power to make a difference.
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AUTHOR BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn™ profiles, Lynne is currently writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn™ for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
