During CAN DO’s 69th Annual Dinner, seniors from the organization’s Student Action Committee were honored for their volunteer efforts throughout the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The Student Action Committee is composed of juniors and seniors from high schools across Greater Hazleton who are appointed to serve as non-voting members of the CAN DO Board of Directors. The committee’s goal is to increase student awareness of the region’s businesses, resources, and opportunities, encouraging them to become more involved through various community events, programs, seminars, and service initiatives.
The students worked under the guidance of CAN DO’s Student Action Committee Advisor, Patrick Ward, and Program Coordinator, Ana Perez, to help organize signature events throughout the community, including Operation: CAN DO, the CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting, CAN DO Community Christmas, as well as the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress’ Wassailfest and Downtown Hazleton Night Market.
This year, nine students graduated after a successful and impactful term. CAN DO proudly recognized and thanked them for their hard work and commitment to the Greater Hazleton community.
Meet the graduates
Alexander Composto
MMI Preparatory School
As Student Chair, Alex said the SAC gave him a behind-the-scenes look at the world of business and leadership. “I absolutely loved being a member of the SAC,” he said, noting how welcomed and challenged he’s felt in the role.
Alex plans on attending Lehigh University to study environmental engineering.
Ava Sahaida
Weatherly Area High School
Ava was grateful to have been part of a committee that gave her the chance to collaborate on service projects and connect with the community. One of her favorite moments was making vision boards at the Hazleton Art League.
Ava looks forward to attending King’s College and hopes to become a physician assistant, specializing in pediatrics.
Erica Boyle
Marian Catholic High School
Erica described the Student Action Committee as “a wonderful program” that offered her a variety of opportunities she’s grateful to have embraced. She highlighted the creative ideas and productive tours as standout experiences. “The knowledge I’ve gained as a student member is truly invaluable to me,” she shared.
Erica plans to attend the University of Scranton to study biology on a pre-med track.
Shelli Selby
Immanuel Christian School
Shelli said being invited to the SAC was the highlight of her year, helping her build new friendships and discover what she wants her future to look like. “CAN DO empowered and believed in me, and I’m happy for this opportunity,” she said. After graduation, Shelli plans to take a gap year to do missionary work in Colombia before returning to the U.S. to attend college.
After graduation, Shelli plans to take a gap year to do missionary work in Colombia before returning to the U.S. to attend college.
Hayden Schwabe
MMI Preparatory School
Hayden described the SAC as a rewarding experience that strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to giving back. “SAC has continuously challenged me to be a better version of myself while emphasizing the importance of giving back and how to lead with purpose and empathy,” he said.
Hayden looks forward to attending Saint Joseph’s University after graduation.
Johncarlos Peralta
Hazleton Area High School
For Johncarlos, the SAC provided the opportunity to make a difference. Through the various meetings, he gained valuable skills in coordination, communication, and time management. He especially appreciated leading Operation: CAN DO with his peers and seeing the direct impact of their work on local veterans.
Johncarlos plans to attend Swarthmore College to study biology and medicine.
Gabriella Bredbenner
Hazleton Area High School
Gabriella said her time on the SAC helped her become a better communicator and leader. Events like Operation: CAN DO and CAN DO Community Christmas showed her the power of student involvement in the community.
After graduation, Gabriella plans to attend Swarthmore College to study chemistry and is considering a future in pharmacology.
Luke Palmieri
Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences
Luke found the SAC experience rewarding, particularly the opportunity to collaborate with other passionate students. He said it taught him teamwork, leadership, and the value of community service.
Luke looks forward to attending Penn State University to study professional golf management.
Javier Vazquez
Hazleton Area High School
Throughout his time in the program, Javier developed essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership. He described his involvement in Operation: CAN DO, as an honor and a life-changing opportunity to give back to veterans. Reflecting on the impact the program had on him, Javier said, “I think this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll never regret. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity CAN DO gave me.”
Inspired by a passion for service, Javier plans to join the Navy after graduation and later pursue his dream of becoming a pediatric dentist.
CAN DO remains dedicated to fostering student engagement throughout the community and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The organization celebrates these graduating seniors and all they’ve achieved alongside their fellow Student Action Committee members.
For more information about the CAN DO Student Action Committee, contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
