Student earns national award for community service impact
Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Theodore Tedesco is being honored by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView Technologies as part of the 2023-24 Community Service Impact 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. The Kroger Co. is also presenting the fifth annual Zero Hero Awards to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger and waste. Theodore was the winner of both awards, being named a National Community Service Ambassador (the highest award) which is given to students with at least 100 hours of community service, and is also being given a Zero Hero Award.
Theodore spends a great deal of time volunteering for various community service organizations. Among other things, Theodore organized and led a food drive for the Sharpsburg Library Little Food Pantry, served meals at North Way Christian Community, delivered meals to Jubilee Kitchen that serves the unhoused, volunteered with the Citizen Science Lab that serves students from underserved neighborhoods, donated snacks for students to the Sharpsburg Public Library, packed backpacks with food at the Pittsburgh Greater Community Food Bank, helped with the Living Stones fundraiser, raised money for the national aviary, attended outreach training on conservation and sustainability, and served as an Audubon summer camp counselor.
“High school students have a strong perspective on the most challenging issues and needs facing our communities. These awardees exemplify young leadership, harnessing their passion and skills to enact positive change in their communities and beyond,” says Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies. “We feel privileged to work alongside these change-makers daily, supporting their journey, unlocking opportunities and commemorating their achievements.”
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. They also present a unique opportunity for UN member states, grassroots organizations and advocates to work together to create a better future for everyone,” says Rachel Bowen Pittman, executive director of the UNA-USA. “Youth play a pivotal role in driving change forward, now more than ever. As an intergenerational movement of dedicated Americans, UNA-USA is committed to supporting the vital work of the United Nations and SDGs. We are thrilled to partner with InnerView again this year and celebrate the impact youth have made in advancing the SDGs. Congratulations to this year’s awardees for their dedication and inspired action!”