Annual Girls Empowered Award nominations were received, reviewed, and award winners have been selected! A special thank you to all that sent in nominations as well as to our judges!
2025 Winners
Emmi Weidner
Elementary School Winner
Emmi is a 4th grader that has previously participated in a Girls Empowered club at her elementary school, but was nominated by a friend’s mother. Girl Scouts, cheerleading, and Irish dance keep this young lady busy! Emmi’s leadership has shown through in these activities. She has stepped in to assist another cheer team that were short a member, helped with her younger sister’s Girl Scout troop, participated in service projects with her own Girl Scout troop, and helped with younger dancers. Additionally, Emmi has participated in community fundraisers to support those in need. “Emmi is a kind, compassionate, and supportive friend who values teamwork, inclusion, and academic excellence.” Congratulations to Emmi on this special honor!
Jane Kube
Middle School Winner
Jane is a 9th grade student in Central Bucks School District, who was nominated by her mother. Jane is one busy and empowered young lady! She is a member of the Peer Leaders group at her school, a section leader in the school’s jazz band, is in the Select and Treble A Cappella Choirs, in National Junior Honor Society, and also plays the flute in marching band. Outside of school, Jane is a Youth Deacon at her church, a member of the Central Bucks National Charity League, and a member of her church youth group and choir. Jane has also taught swim lessons at a local pool, where she is also a member of their swim team. Last summer, Jane was chosen as an Instructor of the Week. Perhaps most impressive, however, was Jane’s leadership skills in advocating for secondary bathrooms (rather than just the nurse’s office) in Central Bucks School District to be supplied with free menstrual products for students. Jane worked diligently for over a year surveying fellow students, and coordinating with school staff, administrators, and the school board to have this need brought to light and this problem rectified. What incredible leadership! Way to go, Jane!
Veronika Teres
High School Winner
Veronika is a 12th grade student in Central Bucks School District, who was nominated by her art teacher of 3 years. Veronika is an AP Studio Art student, President of National Art Honor Society, and President of the Jewish Student Union at her high school, where she has helped support students that have felt attacked or faced antisemitism. Through these roles, she has led meaningful activities, speakers, and conversations, promoting individuality, acceptance, and expression. Veronika’s art teacher notes, “She is well organized, plans ahead, collaborates well with others, and she is looked up to by so many students her age and younger.” We think Veronika is incredibly EMPOWERED!
Penelope Moriens
Elementary School Runner Up
Penelope is a 6th grade student at Maple Point Middle School, nominated by her martial arts instructor of 6 years. Penelope’s martial arts instructor recognized Penelope’s perseverance in working towards her own goals, but also helping younger martial arts students achieve theirs too. In addition to earning her black belt in kempo karate, Penelope also participates in soccer, Girl Scouts, plays the piano, is in honors classes at school, and performed in her school’s play. Penelope’s martial arts instructor notes, “Penelope is a loving, respectful girl who constantly demonstrates kindness towards others and always willing to genuinely help her peers.” Way to go, Penelope!
Jaylynn Burd
Middle School Runner Up
Jaylynn is an 8th grader that was nominated by the assistant principal at Snyder Middle School. This young lady’s leadership shines in her roles as both captain of her middle school’s field hockey team and cheerleading team. Jaylynn is also a dedicated student and elite member of her school’s National Junior Honor Society. She keeps busy with school spirt days and other school events, including mentoring younger students and offering school tours. Jaylynn has participated in the University of Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley Consortium of Equity and Excellence, representing the middle school student body. Jaylynn’s assistant principal shared, “Jaylynn is a positive role model for her peers by embodying qualities of empathy, confidence, and leadership.” We think Jaylynn is EMPOWERED, too!
Chloe Kircher
High School Runner Up
Chloe received 2 nominations: one from her middle school counselor with whom she has remained in touch with, as well as her high school principal. Chloe is an incredibly EMPOWERED 12th grade student at Pennridge High School who keeps quite busy as President of Student Council, co-leader of the school club “Women Supporting Women,” and a participant in a number of other school clubs including SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Mini-THON, NOVA Upstanders Program, dance, and theater just to name a few! Through participation in these clubs and committees, Chloe has mentored younger students transitioning into high school, partnered with special needs students, and participated in a number of fundraisers focused on raising funds for menstrual products, women’s shelters, school supplies for students less fortunate, and holiday gifting for struggling families. She is also a participant in National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. Perhaps even more impressive, are the list of events and clubs that Chloe created at her school, including Aevidumin to support student mental health, Mental Health Awareness Week, the Kindness Challenge, and Women in the Workforce Speaker Series. Chloe is also an active member of her church, including their dance team, a summer Bible school volunteer, and small group leader. Chloe’s school educators shared, “She has been a force of positivity and empowerment for as long as I have known her. She is friendly and supportive of all her peers, and steps up to do the right thing and spread kindness wherever she goes.” Wow! Congratulations on this hard earned and much deserved honor, Chloe!
Arianna Harvey
Elementary School Honorable Mention
Arianna is a 3rd grader in Bensalem, who was nominated by a parent. In school, Arianna is first chair in her school’s 3rd grade orchestra, and an excellent student, recently representing her school in a math competition. Outside of school, Arianna is a Girl Scout, and is also involved in competitive cheerleading and field hockey. At school and out in the community, Arianna is known for her fearless, self-assured attitude, and proud sense of self. “Arianna is a remarkable role model for her peers because she consistently demonstrates kindness, confidence, and a strong sense of individuality. She embraces who she is and encourages others to do the same.”
Khaia Givens
Middle School Honorable Mention
Khaia is a 7th grade student in Bensalem, who was nominated by both her school counselor and school resource officer. In school, Khaia is a strong student, particularly excelling in Reading and STEM. She is also a participant in her school’s Kindness Club, Science Club, Writing Club, and is a leader in Robotics Club. The list continues! Khaia also participates in Reading Olympics, Student Council, Orchestra, Choir, and is a cheerleader and field hockey player too. Outside of school, Khaia is an extremely active member of her church, and helps in their child care toddler room, helps run a pre-K class, helps with Vacation Bible School, and also helps with food collection for individuals experiencing homelessness. Khaia’s school resource officer shared, “Khaia continues to make good choices for herself and encourages other students to do the right thing on a continuous basis. She is a model student, athlete, and person.” Her school counselor also noted, “She comes across as ‘someone special’ who will make a difference.”
Isabella Priano
High School Honorable Mention
Isabella a senior in Central Bucks School District was nominated by a parent for her creativity, strength, and smarts! Isabella is captain of her school’s girls wrestling team and though she was new to the sport only three years ago, made it to the PA State Competition twice and even placed 4th this year. In school, she maintains an A/B average. Outside of school, Isabella works a part-time job at Starbucks and recently won an art competition with the Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, Isabella recently volunteered with a local church helping underprivileged Philadelphia families. Her parent said, “Issy’s friends and relatives look up to her for all of these positive attributes. Isabella definitely embodies empowering behavior.” We think so too! Congratulations, Isabella!
