Widener Announces Winners of High School Leadership Awards

With nominations from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, the program recognizes young, local leaders for outstanding civic contributions

(Chester, Pa., January 12, 2012) – 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 first year, the program recognized 69 students from high schools throughout the Philadelphia region for those who possess the character, courage and competencies to effect positive change.

Among the 69 winners selected, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards recognized students who:

• Created a dog sitting company which benefits the Delaware County SPCA
• Founded an anti-bullying club for her school
• Volunteered at an institute for disabled children in India
• Taught karate lessons as a black belt instructor

“In reviewing the nominations, we were very impressed by the level of civic engagement and commitment of high school students across our region,” said Widener University President James T. Harris III. “The quality of the nominations we saw reaffirms my strong belief that the mission of Widener University – one rooted in responsible and active citizenship – is critical to our future.  These students are undoubtedly the next generation of leaders, and I look forward to personally welcoming all of them on campus next fall for a unique leadership experience.”   

This award embodies Widener University’s focus on developing strategic leaders and responsible citizens, who demonstrate the capacity to lead outside their comfort zone.

Winners will be invited to a celebratory breakfast at the National Constitution Center in February, attend a sponsored leadership experience at Widener University in fall 2012 and be recognized for their community efforts by NBC10. 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 Widener University High School Leadership Awards and to view a complete list of winners, please visit: www.widener.edu/2011hsleadershipawards.