Kirsten Sharp was cited for heading Students Against Destructive Decisions Club
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Kirsten Sharp, a junior at Kennett High School, has received a Widener University High School Leadership Award.
A Kennett Square teen has been selected to receive a Widener University High School Leadership Award and scholarship.
Kirsten Sharp, a junior at Kennett High School, was one of 134 students from high schools throughout the Philadelphia region chosen for their abilities to stand up for what is right, address a wrong, or make a difference in their communities or schools, said a news release from Widener University.
Sharp has made a difference in the community as president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, a university spokesperson said. Sharp helped to increase the club’s membership from 10 to over 60 students as well as assisted in obtaining over 1,100 safe driving pledges from the community in less than a week.
“Kirsten consistently demonstrates her ability to lead in a positive manner,” said Kennett High School Principal Michael Barber. “She is routinely recognized by our staff as someone who exemplifies Blue Demon pride and excellence.”
Now in its third year, the award program is run in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10, the release said. High school principals select a student, who then has to fill out an application form and submit a 250- to 300-word essay that is reviewed by Widener University, the spokesperson said.
“We are thrilled to see that the High School Leadership program is continuing to grow because there are so many students in our area who are demonstrating courage and leadership within their communities,” said Widener University President James T. Harris III. “This award embodies Widener University’s focus on developing strategic leaders and responsible citizens, who demonstrate the capacity to lead outside their comfort zone, and it’s one that we are extremely proud of.”
Eric Lerner, president and general manager of NBC10 Philadelphia, said the station was honored to be involved in a program “to recognize students who are involved in wonderful initiatives” in their communities. “This year’s winners deserve to be in the spotlight, as they are shining examples of how we can all work together to improve our communities and help those in need,” Lerner said.
Winners are invited to a celebratory breakfast at the National Constitution Center on March 20, as well as a leadership conference at Widener University in the fall of 2014. Most notably, winners will receive a scholarship of $20,000 over four years should they enroll at Widener University for undergraduate studies, the release said.
Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university’s campuses in Chester, Exton and Harrisburg, and Wilmington, Del., serve more than 6,300 students. For more information about the university, visit www.widener.edu.
