Prep Talk

Matt Savela ’18: 2017 Widener University Leadership Award Winner

Posted April 11th, 2017

Widener University and the Oskin Leadership Institute, in partnership with NBC10, founded the High School Leadership Awards program in 2011 to identify the region’s high school students who embody the university’s commitment to develop and inspire leaders who affect positive change.

Each year, the university recognizes current high school juniors who have demonstrated courage by standing up for what is right, found a way to address a wrong, or made a difference in a significant way at his or her school or community. Each year winners are recognized at the National Constitution Center and invited to participate in a leadership development conference at Widener.

High School Leadership Award winners who choose to enroll at Widener are named Apogee Scholars and receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years.

This year, St. Augustine Prep Junior Matthew Savela was amongst the distinguished group of students who were chosen as award recipients. On March 23rd, the future computer science major made the trip to the sprawling campus of Widener University to receive his award. Joining Widener President, Dr. Julie E. Wollman, in presenting Matthew with the honor on-stage was NBC10’s Tracy Davidson, who added: “these young leaders are dreamers, doers, innovators, and voices for the voiceless.” Speaking on his special day, Matthew excitedly remarked: “It was a great experience and an honor to represent the Prep at Widener’s Leadership Ceremony.  I worked very hard to earn the nomination and was thrilled when I heard that I had won the award.”

As is often mentioned, throughout their four years at the Prep, our Christian Gentlemen cultivate a fire that burns to become change agents and difference-makers in their community. Matthew Savela certainly lives up to the standard and in many ways exceeds it.