During CAN DO’s recent Annual Dinner, members of the organization’s Student Action Committee (SAC) were recognized for their involvement and contributions throughout the past academic year.
The CAN DO SAC is comprised of high school juniors and seniors representing schools throughout the Greater Hazleton Area who serve in a non-voting capacity on the CAN DO Board of Directors. Through participation in board meetings, volunteer activities, and organizational events, students gain firsthand exposure to leadership, collaboration, and the work being done to support economic and community development efforts throughout the region.
Graduating seniors were recognized for their commitment to the program and reflected on the experiences, professional connections, and perspective they developed during their time with the organization as they prepare to continue their education and pursue future opportunities.
Meet the graduates
McKenna Gerhard
Weatherly Area High School
This year’s Student Chair, McKenna said her time with the SAC was one of the highlights of her high school experience. Through her leadership role, she strengthened her public speaking, leadership, and collaboration skills while helping coordinate SAC initiatives and activities throughout the year.
Her high school accomplishments include qualifying for the Future Business Leaders of America State Competition in cybersecurity, serving as Treasurer of the Student Government Association, and receiving Widener University’s High School Leadership Award. In addition to her academic achievements, she balanced a part-time job at Skip’s Dairy Bar and Grill while maintaining the highest academic average in her grade throughout high school.
Following graduation, McKenna plans to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering at Penn State University’s Main Campus.
Ariamdalys Ramos Alvarez
Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences
Ariamdalys said her time with the SAC gave her a better understand of the impact community organizations can have through volunteerism and public events. The experience strengthened her leadership and communication skills while reinforcing her work ethic.
Throughout high school, she participated in Future Business Leaders of America, Leadership Hazleton, track and field, lacrosse, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
After graduation, Ariamdalysplans to attend Temple University’s Japan Campus to study International Business.
Ava Genetti
MMI Preparatory School
Serving on the SAC gave Ava a greater understanding of how organizations work together to support the community. During her time with the Committee, she strengthened her communication, public speaking, and teamwork skills while participating in events and community initiatives.
Ava served as Vice President of the Chinese National Honor Society and earned recognition in both Future Business Leaders of America and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competitions. Beyond her academic and extracurricular accomplishments, she is also writing a fantasy book series with hopes of publishing it in the future and was recognized as Athlete of the Week by the Hazleton Standard-Speaker for her skills on the tennis court.
Ava plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study Nursing and hopes to gain acceptance into the university’s David C. Frederick Honors College. She plans to continue her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Isabella Lenker
Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy
The SAC helped Isabella become more confident, outgoing, and comfortable working with new people. Through the program, she gained exposure to leadership opportunities and learned more about the Greater Hazleton Area business community.
Her extracurricular involvement throughout high school included the NEPA Junior Journalism Internship, serving as Head Manager of the swim team, competing three years on the varsity track team, and completing dual-enrollment coursework through Penn State and Luzerne County Community College. Isabella also participated as part of a team in last year’s tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition, returning this year to advance to the semifinalist round alongside her team member.
Following graduation, Isabella plans to attend Campbell University in North Carolina to study Wealth and Trust Financial Management..
Mia Harmonosky
MMI Preparatory School
Mia said serving on the SAC provided valuable real-world experience while allowing her to contribute to projects that support the Greater Hazleton community. During her time with the Committee, she developed skills in teamwork, event coordination, and public communication.
She is also a four-year varsity tennis player and a member of the National Honor Society, Mathematics Honor Society, and German Honor Society, as well as the History Club and Science Club. Mia is academically ranked in the top 10 of her graduating class and will intern at the Hazleton Area Public Library this summer.
After graduation, Mia plans to pursue degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering at Lehigh University.
Sharan Parikh
MMI Preparatory School
Sharan said his experience with the SAC strengthened his communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while allowing him to build meaningful connections throughout the community. He especially appreciated participating in holiday events and community service initiatives that supported local families.
Outside of the SAC, he served as President of Future Business Leaders of America and the Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society, and competed in varsity basketball and tennis. He co-won the 2025 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition with his teammate and were named finalists in this year’s competition.
Following graduation, Sharan plans to attend New York University to study Finance.
Established to foster student involvement in community and economic development, CAN DO’s Student Action Committee provides Greater Hazleton Area students with hands-on leadership experience through organizational initiatives, volunteer projects, and collaboration with CAN DO staff and board leadership throughout the academic year.
For more information about the CAN DO Student Action Committee, contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
About CAN DO
CAN DO, Inc., is Greater Hazleton’s leading economic development organization, dedicated to fostering economic growth through innovative programs, services, and partnerships. Since its inception in 1956, CAN DO has supported businesses of all sizes by providing access to resources, facilities, and expertise that drive success. For more information, visit hazletoncando.com.
