Widener University Recognizes Christopher Gavilanes of Reading for Outstanding Leadership and Civic Contributions

2016 Feb 9

Widener University, one of the nation's premier universities for civic engagement and applied leadership, in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10, is proud to recognize Christopher Gavilanes of Reading as a winner of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards.

In its fifth year, the program recognized 159 students from high schools throughout the Philadelphia region for their abilities to stand up for what is right, address a wrong and make a difference in their communities or schools.

Gavilanes, who attends Reading Senior High School, has made a difference in the community by balancing his extracurricular activities and job to be involved in Key Club, JROTC, and school event planning.

"The personal accomplishments, courage and leadership demonstrated by this year's group of award recipients is truly inspiring," said Dr. Julie Wollman, Widener University president. "Widener University is committed to developing leaders who affect positive change. Through the High School Leadership Awards, we get a preview of the future leaders of our communities, our nation and our world. It is my pleasure to give each student, including Christopher, this well-deserved recognition."

Winners are invited to a celebratory breakfast at the National Constitution Center on March 23, 2016, as well as a leadership conference at Widener University in fall 2016. Most notably, winners will receive a scholarship of $20,000 over four years should they enroll at Widener University for undergraduate studies.

For more information regarding the Widener University High School Leadership Awards and to view a complete list of winners, please visit: http://bit.ly/1kAys0R.

About Widener University: Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. 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, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., are proud to be tobacco-free. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.