Widener annually recognizes students from high schools throughout the region for standing up for what is right and making a difference.
Alyssa St Jean, a junior at Cherokee High School, has received the Widener University High School Leadership Award. Nominated by her school counselor Carmen Zekaria, St Jean was identified as a leader both in the classroom and on the softball field because of her abilities to connect with her peers and motivate and inspire them.
Widener University annually recognizes students from high schools throughout the region for their abilities to stand up for what is right, address a wrong or make a difference in their communities or schools.
“Alyssa’s leadership style involves telling people what they need to hear, instead of what they want to hear, and that takes tremendous courage because it can potentially alienate peers and teammates,” Zekaria said. “However, because of Alyssa’s genuine and tactful approach, she is able to make strong connections with others and unite her team and classmates.”
Zekaria said that St Jean also leads by example through her strong work ethic and enthusiasm. St Jean’s softball coach, Meghan Mastoris, and English teacher, Emily Castor, each contributed to her nomination, noting that she has a positive influence on her peers and helps raise the bar to ensure that her teammates and classmates are fully engaged in their respective settings.
This year, the Widener University High School Leadership Award Program recognized 174 students at a breakfast celebration held at the National Constitution Center in late March. Winners are also invited to attend a leadership conference at Widener University in fall 2017. Most notably, winners receive a scholarship of $20,000 over four years, should they enroll at Widener University for undergraduate studies.
St Jean is one of four winners from the Lenape Regional High School District. The other winners are Asia Jones of Lenape High School, Kasey Mitchell of Seneca High School and Caroline O’Rorke of Shawnee High School.
“We are proud of all of our district’s winners and grateful to have them as a part of our student body,” said Lenape Regional High School District Superintendent Carol Birnbohm. “They all serve as positive role models because they strive for excellence while maintaining a strong sense of character.”
