In a remarkable display of dedication and community spirit, two high school seniors from the Leechburg Area have successfully spearheaded a fundraising campaign aimed at addressing food insecurity. Nick Sherbondy and Ava Ferretti, leaders in their school’s Interact and National Honor Society clubs, organized multiple events throughout the year to raise funds for Rise Against Hunger. By leveraging the collective efforts of their peers and support from local organizations, they not only met but exceeded the financial goal required to package 10,000 meals. Their journey underscores the power of determination and teamwork in achieving ambitious objectives.
Driven by an initial event hosted by Methodist churches in the Alle-Kiski Valley, these students decided to take the initiative further by bringing it to their own district. The challenge was significant: raising $4,100 to cover the cost of 10,000 meals at 41 cents each. For a smaller school like Leechburg, with higher poverty rates, this sum represented a considerable hurdle. Yet, undeterred, the pair rallied their fellow club members and devised a series of creative fundraisers. These included a tag day, hoagie sale, Change Wars, a teachers’ casual week, and most notably, a spirit T-shirt sale that brought in $1,200 thanks to widespread participation across all grade levels.
The experience proved transformative for both students. Sherbondy reflected on the importance of surrounding oneself with motivated individuals, noting how challenging it can be to inspire those who lack interest in shared goals. Meanwhile, Ferretti emphasized the value of perseverance, even when targets seem unattainable. “Hard work and dedication are key,” she remarked, adding that time and effort ultimately lead to success.
With generous contributions from local groups such as the Leechburg Lions Club and the Leechburg Hungarian Club, the total raised reached nearly $4,400. This surplus allowed them to allocate additional funds toward the district's Path program, which provides weekend meals for students facing food insecurity. On a Saturday morning, the entire team gathered in the high school cafeteria to pack the meals destined for distribution through Rise Against Hunger.
Their teacher and NHS sponsor, Tricia Shank, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of Sherbondy and Ferretti. She highlighted their ability to execute plans effectively once committed to a cause. Through their efforts, these young leaders demonstrated that passion combined with action can create meaningful change within their community and beyond.