WVHS senior is speaker, moderator at leadership and philanthropy sessions

WVHS senior Tanya Sinha, a graduate of the Junior Leadership Orange (JLO) program, was invited by the organization to speak to, and encourage, 50 participants of its Signature Class at the LEGOLAND Hotel. This year’s Signature Class members have been tasked with raising $25,000 for the JLO program. Tanya was asked to share the experiences and insights she gained during her own time in the JLO program with the new students, as a way to help them feel a greater sense of connection to program.

“Having known firsthand the impact JLO has on students, I was eager to influence the Signature Class to raise money for the next generation and give them the opportunity to benefit that I’ve had,” Tanya said. “I was delighted to represent the JLO Program, and being selected for this prestigious position, I felt both recognized and celebrated for my many achievements since being part of the program.”

When we talked to Tanya for a Superintendent’s Spotlight during the 2022-2023 school year, she was preparing to be the keynote speaker for JLO’s 2023 graduation ceremony, having been selected for the role by Executive Director Karolyn Thompson. We also learned why being in JLO in eighth grade made such an impact on her; it was one of the first times that Tanya, being first generation, began to understand things for which her Indian family otherwise had little to no frame of reference. 

“So, being able to give the eighth grade JLO class pieces of advice was especially meaningful,” she said about her opportunity to influence the next generation. “I was in that class when I was in eighth grade, so I was excited to relay information that I wish I had known during my time in the program — and in life! I hope [my] advice, recommendation and other suggestions were beneficial.”

On December 13, Tanya also served as moderator for a panel discussion on Youth in Philanthropy during a JLO Volunteerism Session. She had volunteered and served on the same panel last year, sharing her motivation to get involved with, and anecdotes from, volunteering in the community. 

“I was thrilled to serve as moderator this year,” Tanya said, “asking panelists about their respective involvement in their schools and greater communities.”

Tanya said the panel was also a wonderful time reconnecting with the other JLO alumni who made up the panel, and to see where their post-JLO efforts have led them. They all remain as enthusiastic as ever about their JLO afilliations and accomplishments.    

“JLO is a wonderful opportunity in our community, that I will continue to support and volunteer for,” Tanya said. 

Congratulations and great work, Tanya!

And… in case you missed it last June!

Honerkamp & Sinha Earn NYS Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award

Tanya Sinha and Paxton Honerkamp received the NYS Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award in June 2023 from Senator James Skoufis. Read the story in the link above!