The Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education celebrated outstanding service at its annual volunteer appreciation night on May 13.
One student and parent from each of the district’s schools – Lenape, Shawnee, Cherokee and Seneca – were selected to receive the volunteer service award, an honor that recognizes the valuable contributions students are making in their communities and how they inspire others to make service a central part of their lives.
From Cherokee High, Ashley Karbiwnyk received the award for volunteering with various projects, including the Marlton Recreational Council’s Sports Unity Team, which provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to participate in organized sports.
Within Cherokee, Karbiwnyk also helps the school’s Renaissance Club by regularly participating in the township police department’s annual trunk or treat event, back-to-school events and graduations.
Christian Scannell, Karbiwnyk’s English teacher at Cherokee, commended her school and community involvement in an interview with the Lenape district’s digital media team.
“She’s one of those kids that – when you tell other students that you should get involved and there’s a great benefit to being involved in the community – (you want to) talk to Ashley,” Scannell noted. “She’s a great person for those kids to speak to.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be her teacher twice now, and I’m just blown away by what a spectacular person she is.”
At Lenape High, Alana Lafrance was selected for assisting in back-to-school nights and open-house events, and donates her time as part of the school’s Hero Club, a community service organization dedicated to granting wishes, supporting local needs and fostering community spirit.
Lafrance has volunteered at Cooper Hospital and helps with the local Jack and Jill group, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing African American leaders through leadership development, community service and philanthropy.
“Alana has an amazing, admirable character,” observed Sarah Allen, her English teacher at Lenape. “She’s a student who is built on humility in things that she does. She is humble; graceful (and); just a wonderful, caring and kind person.”
Seneca High’s award went to Ryan Turchi, who volunteers for the Buddy Walk, a flagship event to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. Turchi’s family also contributed to designing T-shirts for the event and he has also volunteered his time with The Unforgotten Haven, a nonprofit based in Blackwood that partners with churches and other community organizations on service projects such as feeding the homeless and supporting women in domestic violence shelters.
“Ryan is just such a kind and generous person,” said Jaclyn Ford, his math teacher at Seneca. “He really wants to help whoever he can. He’s thoughtful, organized and he’s led so many activities in the national honor society.”
From Shawnee High School, Anya Wilt was selected for volunteering as an assistant coach with a Special Olympics swim team, the Burlington County Marlins at the YMCA in Mount Laurel.
“I’ve had (Wilt) in Latin 1 (class) as a freshman, all the way through (AP classes) as a senior this year, and I feel so fortunate to have had her in class,” said Brenna Atmore, a world language teacher at Shawnee. “(Wilt) is just an exceptional student, and one of the most brilliant students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching. She’s just incredibly bright.
“She’s kind, funny and she just stands out amongst her peers as someone you would want know and work with.”
Volunteer appreciation night also included the 2026 parent volunteer award winners, who were introduced by their school’s principal. They were cited for playing key roles in supporting school programs, events and overall student success. They are Kate Watkins, Lenape High; Jessica McGraw, Shawnee High; Neil Aaronson, Cherokee High; and Jennifer Megaw, Seneca High.
“Our parent volunteers are an essential part of what makes (the Lenape district) thrive,” Superintendent Matthew Webb said at the appreciation night. “Their willingness to step up, support students and foster school spirit is a powerful example of community in action.
“We are truly grateful for their partnership.”
