Governor honors SV students for community service
Two Seneca Valley School District students were recognized by Gov. Josh Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro for “exceptional commitment to community service.”
Kelsey Schmitz, a 10th-grade student, and her sister Leah, an eighth-grader, were honored along with a group of young women in Pennsylvania at a luncheon Dec. 15 at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
The sisters are part of the Pittsburgh Linxx Chapter of the National Charity League, a national mother-daughter service organization focused on leadership development, philanthropy and civic engagement.
The recognition was for students who have completed a significant amount of volunteer service hours.
“Lori and I are inspired by these young Pennsylvanians and are honored to celebrate their hard work serving our communities,” Gov. Shapiro said. “They are leading the Pennsylvania way — giving back, bringing people together, and using their talents to improve the lives of others.”
The Schmitz sisters and their mother spent long hours supporting nonprofit organizations across Western Pennsylvania through the National Charity League, according to Seneca Valley.
The league’s work includes supporting groups like Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and The Education Partnership.
“Service learning plays a vital role in developing responsible, compassionate citizens,” Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley’s superintendent, said in a news release. “We are proud of Kelsey and Leah for representing Seneca Valley and for their dedication to making a positive impact in our community.”
The Pittsburgh Linxx Chapter of the league includes students from several school districts across the region. Seneca Valley said students from neighboring districts, including North Catholic High School, were also recognized for their service.
