As the 2024-2025 school year comes to a close, so do the calendars of sports and clubs. Tyrone Area’s Youth Action Network, or YAN, wanted to reward the hard-working senior members of the club for another successful year and celebrate the money raised for its adopted international charity, the Panzi Foundation.
Due to the recent changes in advisers for YAN, the club didn’t go to Washington, D.C., as they have in the past.
To make up for this, YAN adviser Staci Greenleaf offered students a catered Chick-fil-A luncheon during the school day.
“It was a meaningful afternoon filled with celebration, learning, gratitude, and heart company- plus some delicious Chick-fil-A,” Greenleaf said.
The students were treated to chicken sandwiches or chicken nuggets, waffle fries, cookies, fruit snacks, chips, and drinks.
In a normal year, all of the money raised for the Panzi Foundation would be presented to a representative of the club in person during the Washington D.C. trip.
However, this year’s check was presented through a Zoom call by YAN’s president, Sophia Sciarrillo. She said a few words about what the Panzi Foundation means to the club and presented the check.
The Panzi Foundation is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the hardest places to live. Not only are the climate conditions harsh, but the Congo also has one of the longest histories of violence in the world.
The Panzi foundation has a hospital in the Congo for women who are victims of rape and sexual violence.
“A highlight of the event was a virtual meeting with a representative from the Panzi Foundation. During the Zoom session, the representative spoke with the students about the foundation, its mission, and the important work they do to support survivors of sexual violence,” said Greenleaf.
YAN raised $1,065 for the Panzi foundation through fundraisers and donations.
This money will go toward hospital supplies, victim support, and whatever else the hospital can use to help the victims.
YAN would like to thank everyone who participated in events and fundraisers this year to help make another success.
