It has become the Chamber’s tradition to honor a student as the Outstanding Citizen at the regular May luncheon, and this year the Chamber chose Millville Senior High School student Sara Penka as the “Outstanding Citizen” for the month.
Penka has a unique distinction….perfect attendance for seven years…the only student at Millville Senior High School with this record.
“One of her biggest accomplishments has been obtaining three Congressional Medals—bronze, silver and gold,” Principal Kathy Procopio said. “To get these medals, Sara had to log hundreds of hours volunteering in the community.”
Sara said, “Community service is about giving back…sharing…passing on my knowledge in hopes that someone else will find a similar interest.” Among her many activities have been serving as a colonial hearthside fireplace cook for the Cumberland County Historical Society; docent/office worker for the Millville Historical Society, Junior Deacon at First Presbyterian Church and a member of its choir. She also voluntarily tutors middle school students in math.
Among Sara’s achievements are Gifted and Talented Member, participant in the University of Pennsylvania Penn Vet Program, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Widener University Leadership Award, National Honor Society, and she was third runner-up in the Miss Holly City competition.
Sara Penka
A Special Millville High School Student:
“Academically, Sara has challenged herself by taking primarily all advanced and AP classes,” Procopio said. “ She is very intrinsically motivated to do well, and she does. Sara is an outgoing, vivacious young lady, and she will be missed when she graduates.”
- Millville High School Principal Kathy Procopio.
A talented singer, she had the lead role in “Mary Poppins” this year. Sara has participated in the marching band, mock trial, academic team, National Honor Society, Madrigals and Leaders Club. She has worked as a library aide at Millville Senior High School.
“Academically, Sara has challenged herself by taking primarily all advanced and AP classes,” Procopio said. “ She is very intrinsically motivated to do well, and she does. Sara is an outgoing, vivacious young lady, and she will be missed when she graduates.”
Sara plans to go to Purdue University and major in microbiology and then attend Purdue’s veterinary school and receive her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She recently started a part-time job as kennel worker and trainee at the Animal Clinic of Millville. Sara is the daughter of Linda Penka.
Sara Penka receives her certificate recognizing her as Citizen of the Month from Chamber President Larry Malone.