Widener Announces Winners of High School Leadership Awards

Ninety three local students were selected for their outstanding civic contributions and leadership

(Chester, Pa., February 19, 2013) – Widener University, one of the nation’s premier universities for civic engagement and applied leadership, in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10, today announced the winners of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards.  In its second year, the program recognized 93 students from high schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware who demonstrate courage and leadership within their communities. 

Students were selected for their abilities to stand up for what is right, address a wrong and make a difference in their communities or schools. Among the winners, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards recognized students who:

Coordinated a fundraising effort to benefit families of wounded military personnel

Founded a non-profit group that provides peer counseling for students in crisis

Volunteered at a summer camp for underprivileged children and orphans in Armenia

Produced a video to raise awareness of the dangers of driving and texting 

“The turnout of nominations this year was remarkable and the level of civic engagement among the winners is truly inspiring,” said Widener University President James T. Harris III. “Our mission at Widener is deeply rooted in service, leadership and community, making this program extremely special to the university. The winners are the next generation of leaders in our area and I look forward to personally meeting all of them at the awards ceremony.”  

“This year’s winners are involved in wonderful initiatives in the communities they serve, and it’s an honor to be a sponsor of the High School Leadership Awards,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC10 Philadelphia. “These local students deserve to be in the spotlight, as they are shining examples of how we can all work together to improve our communities and help those in need.”

Winners are invited to a celebratory breakfast at the National Constitution Center on February 19, as well as a leadership conference at Widener University in fall 2013. Most notably, winners will receive a scholarship of $20,000 over four years should they enroll at Widener University for undergraduate studies.   

For more information regarding the High School Leadership Awards and to view a complete list of winners, please visit: http://bit.ly/Wrrlrr. For information on each recipient and photos of the event, please contact Mallory Jaroski at Mallory@briantierney.com or 484-385-2904.