Challenge Program Student of the Year from Cambria Heights

On May 13 at the Crystal Owl Gala, in Johnstown, Cambria Heights student Lyndsey Kitchen was awarded Student of the Year from The Challenge Program Inc. (TCP). She competed against students from three states and hundreds of schools. She was awarded a $2,500 check from founder of TCP, Dan Perkins.

The Challenge Program was founded by Dan Perkins and its mission is to build sustainable business/education partnership while motivating students to develop the habits required to succeed in school and in their future careers. TCP serves 127 schools and has awarded over $4 million in incentives to students. Cambria Heights High School is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and CBW Schools Credit Union.

Each year TCP sponsors a Student of the Year Competition. Students at the school districts served by the program fill out their applications online. The Challenge Program then narrows the applicants down to the top 10 finalists. This year more than 300 students applied.

Cambria Heights was honored to have two students in the top 10 this year. Lyndsey was joined by Braden Thomas, also a junior. Lyndsey and Braden both participated in virtual interviews to determine the three finalists. Lyndsey was selected as one of the three. According to the district, Lyndsey worked hard during this process and is a student who works hard at everything she does. She does well in school and is an overall great person.

In addition to sponsoring the Student of the Year competition, TCP provides, along with our business sponsors, monetary awards to students in grades 10-12 in the areas of Academic Excellence, Attendance, Community Service, STEM and Academic Improvement.