2023 Young Americans Seminar and Celebration

The Young Americans program concluded the 2022-2023 year as a great success. Seventy-two students were named by ten area schools for their outstanding achievements, both inside and outside of the classroom. On April 18th, thirty of these future leaders attended a Leadership Seminar at Susquehanna University where they engaged presenters on topics such as community organization, stress management and career development. To say that both the presenters and the organizers of the event were impressed by the maturity and insight of these young people would be an understatement.

On May 25th, the students were recognized at a reception held at Susquehanna University where they heard from local leaders Dr. Jason Bendle, Superintendent of Shikellamy School District; Dr. Jonathan Green, President of Susquehanna University; and keynote speaker, The Honorable Jeffrey Rowe, Magisterial District Judge for the Lewisburg area of Union County, PA. Judge Rowe is a 1998 Young American from Lewisburg High School.

The reception also featured the presentation of certificates by school personnel and the announcement of the 2023 Young American Essay Contest Winner, McKenna Parker, of Selinsgrove.

The evening reception was sponsored by UPMC, Service First Federal Credit Union, Weis Markets, Geisinger, Northumberland National Bank, The Daily Item, Susquehanna University and Evangelical Community Hospital.

Keynote Speaker, The Honorable Jeffrey Rowe, addresses the 2023 Young Americans about the importance of community, and the need for their leadership here at home.

Students learned a significant amount about their own communities from Andrew Miller of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitor’s Bureau; Lewisburg Mayor, Kendy Alvarez; and Hanna Radio DJ, Lura Good.

As part of an activity on Community Engagement, students were challenged to work in groups and come up with their favorite things about their home communities, as well as areas for improvement.