In the spirit of service learning in action, 9th grader Ryan Woodhams has been a powerful force in the community with his awareness and fund-raising efforts, as well as linking to The Harley School’s commitment to supporting local and national causes.
A little over a year ago, we posted on this blog about Ryan’s work with his peers to support Alex’s Lemonade (to fund childhood cancer research) through Roc-Ade. That link can be found here.
Last week, Ryan was recognized for his tireless efforts by the Rochester Business Journal and was awarded one of their 2014 Philanthropy Awards. The excerpt from the story in the RBJ is below. We are so proud of Ryan and all of his ongoing efforts and leadership in this area! Congratulations!
2014 Philanthropy Awards: Outstanding Youth Volunteer Fundraiser nominees
Ryan Thomas Woodhams
Middle-schooler Ryan Thomas Woodhams began his community service with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a national organization that supports children with cancer. Woodhams has raised more than $25,000 for the organization since 2011.
“Ryan is just a sweet young man that just looks out for everyone else,” says Stephanie Sheets, assistant director of community events for Golisano Children’s Hospital. “It’s young men like Ryan who are making differences in that generation.”
Additionally, Woodhams raised money for the children’s hospital, part of Strong Memorial Hospital; he has raised more than $4,500. Woodhams’ efforts have grown into Roc-Ade, a fundraising organization dedicated to supporting non-profits.
Sheets says Woodhams is a natural leader.
“He gets his friends involved; he gets other students involved. When I went to the lemonade stand last year, he had more than 20 students helping him as he was leading.”
Woodhams intends to continue to host annual Lemonade Stands at the Harley School and raise funds for the children’s hospital—as well as continue a journalism internship with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I’m proud that he’s one of our donors,” Sheets says, “and that we’re able to work with him in fundraising for the kids at the children’s hospital. And I can’t imagine how proud his mom and the school must be too.”
