FCAHS student earns national awards for community service impact

Fox Chapel Area High School rising junior Victoria Pfendler has been honored by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView Technologies as part of the 2024-25 National Community Service Awards. The program is open to students across the nation and is designed to connect student community service activities, skill development and commitment to Sustainable Development Goals to transform our world. Victoria was also the recipient of the Kroger Co. Zero Hero Zero Hunger Award which is given to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger.

For her largest volunteer effort, Victoria has spent the last three years helping at the Christ the King Giving Garden. There, she is involved in a variety of tasks with regard to growing healthy fruits and vegetables that benefit the St. Vincent de Paul and Blawnox food pantries. In total, she has spent more than 102 hours volunteering.

According to Victoria, “Volunteering at the garden has taught me the value of hard work and community service, and I’m proud to be part of an effort that helps provide fresh, healthy food to people in my community.”

The Giving Garden’s mission is to serve the community by practicing sustainable gardening and donating fresh produce to local food pantries, helping to address food insecurity and promote environmental responsibility.

Melissa DeStout, the coordinator of the community garden says she is grateful for the time and creativity Victoria has dedicated.

“Victoria has been an integral part of our volunteer team, contributing her time, effort and skills to support our mission of serving the community through sustainable gardening practices and food donation initiatives,” she says.

Victoria has also participated in many activities at Fox Chapel Area High School, including the girls tennis team, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the pickleball club and community outreach. She will also serve as a student ambassador during the 2025-26 school year.