Widener University, in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10 and Telemundo62, recognizes the 134 winners of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards for 2025.

They included:

• Margaret Turrano of Lansford, who attends Marian Catholic High School, has made a difference by leading prayer and reflection sessions as part of Marian Catholic’s Evangelization Team, organizing community service initiatives like the “Stuff the Truck” food drive and volunteering as a coach and in cleanups for the Lansford Little League.

• Taylor Eckhart of Palmerton, who attends Carbon Career & Technical Institute, has made a difference by leading as a peer mentor, offering academic and behavioral support, and contributing to causes she believes in, such as donating to a family who lost everything in a fire.

• McKenna Gerhard of Weatherly, who attends Weatherly Area High School, has made a difference by consistently demonstrating unwavering kindness, academic dedication, and a genuine willingness to help others, positively impacting both her peers and school community.

“On behalf of Widener University, I extend my deepest congratulations to the 134 outstanding student leaders from across our region who have been named 2025 High School Leadership Award recipients,” said Stacey Robertson, president of Widener University.

Winners were invited to the in-person program March 26 with their families and school administrators at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia’s historic district.

In addition to being recognized as young leaders in the region, if students enroll at Widener as undergraduates, they will participate in the university’s prestigious Apogee Leadership Scholars program and receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years.