CNBNews

 for Outstanding Leadership and Civic Contributions

CHESTER, PA (03/28/2024)-- Widener University, in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10 and Telemundo62, is proud to recognize the 137 winners of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards for 2024. Over more than a decade, the university has recognized more than 1,300 students from high schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware who demonstrated leadership within their communities.

The program recognized 137 students on Wednesday, March 20 from high schools throughout the region for their abilities to stand up for what they believe in, speak out on behalf of others and make an impact in their communities. They included:

Jared Ramos of Mays Landing, NJ, 08330. Ramos, a student at Holy Spirit High School, has made a difference by leaving a lasting impact on his campus by cheering on his peers at sporting events, acting in shows and capturing important happenings as a member of the student-led Spartan TV club.

Nicholas Abrams of Vineland, 8361, 08361. Abrams, a student at St. Augustine Preparatory, has made a difference by leading by example through his involvement in his school's third-semester program, participating in campus ministry and fostering school pride among his student body.

William Vokolos of Woolwich, NJ, 08085. Vokolos, a student at St. Joseph's Preparatory School, has made a difference by serving as an elected member of Student Council where he advocates on behalf of his classmates and works collaboratively with peers and adults alike to improve school culture.

Jack Scozzafava of Galloway, NJ, 08205. Scozzafava, a student at Absegami High School, has made a difference by balancing academics with sports and volunteer work, welcoming new students at freshman orientation and as a Guidance aide and approaching every situation with a smile.

Cassandra Hughes of Galloway, NJ, 08205. Hughes, a student at Absegami High School, has made a difference by undertaking dual academic enrollment as a distinguished varsity scholar, leading the girl's tennis team as captain and consistently demonstrating a passion for making a positive impact.

Alex Ryon of Linwood, NJ, 08221. Ryon, a student at Mainland Regional High School, has made a difference by serving as co-president of Rally For Diversity and playing a pivotal role in organizing Community Conversations, a lunchtime speaker series designed to address issues such as racism, neurodiversity and more.

Brianna Tovar of Burlington, NJ, 08016. Tovar, a student at Burlington City High School, has made a difference by exhibiting a profound passion for social justice through her participation in her school's Invent to Prevent initiative, which seeks to address pressing issues such as violence and bullying.

Alyssa Fuegel of Cinnaminson, NJ, 08077. Fuegel, a student at Cinnaminson High School, has made a difference by spending her free time volunteering at a local dance studio, becoming a role model for her peers and working hard to make a difference in her community.

Isabel Singleton of Delran, NJ, 08075. Singleton, a student at Delran High School, has made a difference by establishing herself as a leader in her school's Black Student Union by advocating for her peers and helping all students' voices be heard.

Ella Bree of Marlton, NJ, 08053. Bree, a student at Cherokee High School, has made a difference by consistently demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior as a Peer Leader, where she inspires and guides students, fostering a sense of unity and responsibility among them.

Jayde Rios of Burlington, NJ, 08016. Rios, a student at Bordentown Regional High School, has made a difference by passionately advocating for minoritized populations, consistently demonstrating a commitment to amplifying their voices and addressing critical issues through her work with Student Voices.

James DiBlasi of Medford, NJ, 08055. DiBlasi, a student at Shawnee High School, has made a difference by actively participating in his school's student council and being willing to step up and tackle any task that needs to be accomplished.

Molly Frith of Delran, NJ, 08075. Frith, a student at Holy Cross Academy, has made a difference by acting as a student ambassador for the Yellow Tulip Project, a youth-driven movement to destigmatize mental illness, and spearheading a plan to add a Yellow Tulip Garden to her school's grounds.

Lee'Ahna Dupont of Camden, NJ, 08104. Dupont, a student at Camden County Technical School- Pennsauken, has made a difference by playing a vital role on her school's Robotics Team, being a leader in her male-dominated engineering courses and volunteering to make her school a better place.

Tre Ramsburg of Collingswood, NJ, 08108. Ramsburg, a student at Collingswood High School, has made a difference by being elected as one of three student representatives on his school district's Board of Education, leading efforts to encourage his peers to register to vote and serving on the executive board for the Social Justice League.

Jacob Salvatore of Berlin, NJ, 08009. Salvatore, a student at Eastern Regional High School, has made a difference by serving as the inaugural historian for his school's Civics Club, volunteering on political campaigns and exhibiting a desire to positively impact the political landscape.

Landon Johnston of Gloucester, NJ, 08030. Johnston, a student at Gloucester City High School, has made a difference by playing an instrumental role in revamping his school district's mission statement and helping bring the Industrial Arts program to his school as part of his roles as Student Body President and Student Liaison for the Board of Education.

Keira Dempsey of West Collingswood Heights, NJ, 08059. Dempsey, a student at Haddon Township High School, has made a difference by volunteering and supporting teen moms through the Young Life Organization and serving as a National Herren Ambassador, promoting wellness and healthy coping skills through the Herren Project Club.

Ian Mazzei of Haddonfield, NJ, 08033. Mazzei, a student at Haddonfield Memorial High School, has made a difference by volunteering at the Cherry Hill food pantry, leading his school's freshman soccer team and participating in his school's Peer Leadership Program and STEM club.

Kyle Aquino of Sicklerville, NJ, 08081. Aquino, a student at Camden Catholic High School, has made a difference by contributing greatly to his school's STEM program, particularly the iDesign Challenge, where he displays both exceptional leadership and technical skills.

Renee Bak of Mount Laurel, NJ, 08054. Bak, a student at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, has made a difference by demonstrating strong work ethic and being selected to participate in the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy where she stood out among an impressive group of student leaders.

Cymara Williams of Pennsauken, NJ, 08110. Williams, a student at Pennsauken High School, has made a difference by excelling in the classroom as well as leading her school's Black Student Union, Kaizan Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes while helping others strive for greatness.

James Kaminski of Runnemede, NJ, 08078. Kaminski, a student at Triton Regional High School, has made a difference by serving as a Class Officer and being a dedicated member of the No Place For Hate Club where he seeks to eliminate bias and bullying and foster an inclusive school environment.

Meadow Willitts of Bridgeton, NJ, 08302. Willitts, a student at Cumberland Regional High School, has made a difference by advocating for positive change, always looking out for the interests of others and ensuring all of her peers have a voice.

Hanna Juma of Glassboro, NJ, 08028. Juma, a student at Glassboro High School, has made a difference by volunteering much of her free time to serve charitable organizations such as Out of the Darkness, Operation Christmas Child and TopSports, which helps children with disabilities participate in sports.

McKyla Crowley of Blackwood, NJ, 08012. Crowley, a student at Deptford Township High School, has made a difference by continuously working to improve the experience of students at her school through her involvement in student government, an ambassador program, varsity athletics and more.

Kalise Miller of Westville, NJ, 08093. Miller, a student at Gateway Regional High School, has made a difference by serving her peers as Class President, overseeing her school newspaper as editor, volunteering at a local food bank and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Kaitlynn Kirk of Berlin, NJ, 08009. Kirk, a student at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, has made a difference by earning her Silver Award through the Girl Scouts, where she worked to preserve a historical landmark, and volunteering for an adaptive rowing program serving individuals with disabilities.

Isabella Moraca of Mullica Hill, NJ, 08062. Moraca, a student at Clearview Regional High School, has made a difference by transforming personal adversity into a mission of compassion and community service through her role as a chairperson on the Hoagies for Hope committee, where she has raised over $25,000 to aid those facing financial challenges due to unexpected medical issues.

Alyssa Veney of Paulsboro, NJ, 08066. Veney, a student at Paulsboro High School, has made a difference by participating in Students United for Respect & Equality, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and the Future Educators Club, dedicating time to serve her community and consistently rising above the challenges life has presented her with.

Caleb Giuliani of Clayton, NJ, 08312. Giuliani, a student at Clayton High School, has made a difference by developing as a leader throughout his high school years and possessing the ability to collaborate and work as part of a team.

Kate Clune of Mickleton, NJ, 08056. Clune, a student at Gloucester County Institute of Technology, has made a difference by excelling academically as a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society while also volunteering in the community and holding two part-time jobs.

Kayla Smith of Penns Grove, NJ, 08043. Smith, a student at Penns Grove High School, has made a difference by possessing a desire to succeed in whatever she sets her mind to and being unafraid to stand up for what she believes in.

Marlaina Mantuano of Marlton, NJ, 08053. Mantuano, a student at St. Joseph Academy, has made a difference by helping manage her school's student-run cafe, leading by example and earning trust and respect on campus through her responsible decision-making.

Jocelyn Corvera Rodriguez of Blackwood, NJ, 08012. Corvera Rodriguez, a student at Camden County Technical Schools Gloucester Township Campus, has made a difference by leading in the classroom as one of the only women in her school's Construction Property Management program and giving back to her community by volunteering at her church and mentoring younger students.

Stella Quinn of Erma, NJ, 08204. Quinn, a student at Wildwood Catholic Academy, has made a difference by dedicating herself to her studies, demonstrating leadership as student council president and swim team manger and actively contributing to community events and service initiatives.

"For the 13^th consecutive year, Widener University is delighted to honor outstanding student leaders from across our region with the High School Leadership Award," said Stacey Robertson, president of Widener University. "This year, we are excited to acknowledge this outstanding group of young people who have demonstrated a commitment to their communities through acts of leadership and caring. Widener is distinctive because of our inclusive culture where students belong and can thrive as their authentic selves. I salute these 137 award winners for demonstrating courage, tenacity and leadership while exhibiting the same drive reflected in Widener's principles. We congratulate them!"

Winners were invited to the in-person program March 20 with their families and school administrators at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia's historic district. In addition to being recognized as young leaders in the region, if students enroll at Widener as undergraduates, they will take part in the university's prestigious Apogee Leadership Scholars program and receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years. Apogee Scholars also take part in four years of leadership programming and earn a Widener Leadership Certificate.

"NBC10 and Telemundo62 take great pride in our ongoing partnership with Widener University as we join hands for another year to celebrate the accomplished recipients of this esteemed award," said Ric Harris, President and General Manager of NBC10, Telemundo62 and NBC Sports Philadelphia. "These students are not just the future leaders; they are already making a difference today, as evidenced by their daily efforts to improve their schools and communities. We are proud of our continued involvement in this program and in honoring these exceptional young individuals for their remarkable achievements. We are eager to witness their future successes in college and beyond."

For more information regarding the Widener University High School Leadership Awards and to view a complete list of winners, please visit the High School Leadership Awards page. For information on each recipient, please contact Samantha Krouse at [email protected] or 484-385-2965.

Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek. Core values of respect, integrity and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks. Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region's leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens. Visit the university website at widener.edu.

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NOTE: You are receiving this press release because the student or their parents are from your area. This press release above was prepared for: Editor - Gloucester City News.

Attachments

• The 2024 High School Leadership Awards were held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. NBC10's Tracy Davidson gave welcome remarks.: http://app.readmedia.com/news/attachment/195973/hsla.2024.2.ma.jpg