Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of McKenna Gerhard as Student Chair of the Student Action Committee (SAC) for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
A rising senior at Weatherly Area High School, McKenna first joined the committee as a junior, seeking opportunities to step out of her comfort zone and connect with peers who share a passion for community involvement. Throughout her junior year, McKenna was an active participant in the SAC initiatives, from serving as a Co-Chair of the 2024 Operation: CAN DO drive, which creates care packages for Greater Hazleton area natives serving overseas during the holiday season, to the multiple holiday events, including her favorite, the annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting.
“It was something fun to do with the community and other SAC members,” she shared.
Inspired by the positive experience and driven by a desire to give back, McKenna applied for the Student Chair role to take on greater responsibility within the committee.
“I wanted to be more involved and to help make the experience just as meaningful for others as it was for me,” she said.
As Student Chair, McKenna hopes to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members. She looks forward to deepening connections with both the Greater Hazleton community and her fellow committee members throughout the year.
“My goals include making sure everyone is comfortable and no one feels left out of the SAC. I also hope to positively inspire at least one person,” she said.
Beyond her work with CAN DO, McKenna is actively involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Student Government Association, Science Olympiad, Science Club, National Honor Society, and Interact. She also works part-time at Skip’s Dairy Bar and Grill, volunteers with her class, and is working to establish a new club focused on hydroponics and environmental education for younger students.
The Student Action Committee (SAC) is comprised of high school juniors and seniors from throughout Greater Hazleton who serve as non-voting members of the CAN DO Board of Directors. The Student Chair position was created to strengthen student engagement and amplify young leaders’ voices in economic development efforts within the Greater Hazleton area. McKenna will serve as the third student to hold this leadership position since its creation in 2023.
Her commitment to leadership, community service, and innovation extends well beyond her time on the committee. Following graduation, McKenna plans to pursue a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering and hopes to one day work for a Department of Defense aerospace contractor, such as Lockheed Martin or Northrop Grumman.
To learn more about CAN DO’s Student Action Committee, contact CAN DO’s Program Coordinator and Student Advisor, Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
