United Way Volkstadt Memorial Award for Volunteer Service Winner Announced
The United Way of the Titusville Region is proud to announce the 2022 recipient of the Volkstadt Memorial Award for Volunteer Service to the Titusville Community.
Alexa Drake is this year’s recipient of the award which is presented to area seniors pursuing post-secondary education who have shown a passion for volunteerism in the community.
The Volkstadt Memorial Scholarship and Award was established in 1999 through a charitable donation from the estate of the late Charles and Martha Volkstadt. Mrs. Volkstadt was the Director of the United Way for 25 years. “She understood the importance of volunteerism in the community, and instilling a passion for volunteerism in our youth,” stated Stacey Ross, CEO/Executive Director of the United Way of the Titusville Region. The purpose of the Volkstadt Memorial Scholarship is to accentuate the importance of volunteerism in the community and to recognize those students who provide volunteer service, according to Ross.”
United Way has recognized 37 of Titusville’s best and brightest through the Volkstadt Award, and has provided these students with $46,000 in scholarships.
Drake is the daughter of Jason & Wendi Drake. Ms. Wakefield is strong academically with a current GPA of 4.09; high honor roll throughout her high school career and is a member of the National Honor Society. Alexa is very involved in extra-curricular activities at Titusville High School including THS Student United Way, Director; Rotary Interact Club, Director; Ignite Mentor and officer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field and Varsity Club. Alexa’s volunteer service includes projects of the THS Student United Way/Interact Club including Stuff the Bus, volunteering at the holiday Lights at Burgess and coordinating a hygiene drive. Alexa also works as a barista at Coffee Days in the Merc. “Student United Way has provided me outstanding opportunities to volunteer, share and grow as an individual. I chose to join the club because I was so impressed with their previous projects. Witnessing how they helped the community and gave back to the people of Titusville was incredibly inspiring to me personally. I have volunteered with Stuff the Bus, Oil Festival Parade, High School Heroes and the most recent project was our Titusville Hygiene Drive. These activities were successful and helped countless community members. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be part of United Way and I learned so much from my experiences with this exemplary organization. Through my volunteer experiences with United Way, I have learned the importance of giving back to the community. I will never say I am too busy to help others in my community, because I have seen the great results of volunteering.” stated Drake.
Alexa will be attending Edinboro University and has a goal of receiving her degree in Early Childhood Education and becoming an elementary school teacher.
“The United Way of the Titusville Region is proud of the youth in the community and their commitment to helping those less fortunate. Young people like Alexa are the future of our community and it is wonderful to see the commitment and energy that they bring to their volunteer efforts.” stated Ross.
Young people interested in volunteer service in the Titusville area should contact the United Way of the Titusville Region at 827-1322.