McKenna Gerhard, a senior at Weatherly Area High School and the FY2025-2026 Student Chair of the CAN DO Student Action Committee, is concluding her term after a year of leadership, service, and active participation in CAN DO, Inc.’s community initiatives.
During her tenure as Student Chair, Gerhard strengthened her leadership, public speaking, and collaboration skills while gaining exposure to business operations and organizational governance.
“Serving as Student Chair helped me understand responsibility and leadership in a way I had not experienced before,” Gerhard said. “It is the main leadership experience I will look back on in the future and use as a stepping stone to reach my goals.”
In addition to leading committee meetings, Gerhard worked alongside CAN DO staff and fellow SAC members during community initiatives and events, contributing to projects that connect students with local economic development efforts. She noted that the experience challenged her to grow both personally and professionally.
“The Student Action Committee pushed me to improve myself and work with those around me,” Gerhard said. “My public speaking skills and teamwork abilities have greatly improved over the time I spent with the committee.”
Beyond her service with CAN DO, Gerhard has distinguished herself academically and through extracurricular involvement. She serves as Treasurer for her school’s Student Government Association, competed at the Future Business Leaders of America state level in Cybersecurity, received Widener University’s High School Leadership Award, and achieved the highest academic average in her grade each year of high school. She also balances her academic commitments with nearly two years of employment at Skip’s Dairy Bar and Grill.
Following graduation, Gerhard plans to attend Penn State at University Park to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering.
CAN DO leadership noted that the Student Action Committee continues to play an important role in connecting students with leadership opportunities and the region’s economic future.
“The Student Action Committee provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with community and business leaders while gaining exposure to the many career pathways available in Greater Hazleton,” said Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO, Inc. “Students like McKenna demonstrate the value of investing in young leaders who care about their community and want to play a role in its future.”
As for the future of the committee, Gerhard expressed confidence in its continued impact.
“I can’t wait to see what the Student Action Committee will achieve in the future, and how the next Student Chair will step up to their responsibilities,” she said.
The CAN DO Student Action Committee provides local high school students with opportunities to engage in community and economic development efforts while gaining exposure to business leadership and career pathways throughout Greater Hazleton. The committee is composed of juniors and seniors from area high schools who participate in organizational initiatives and serve in a non-voting capacity on the CAN DO Board of Directors.
For more information about the CAN DO Student Action Committee, contact CAN DO’s Program Coordinator and Student Advisor, Ana Perez, at aperez@hazletoncando.com or (570) 455-1508.
