Widener University, in partnership with NBC10 and Telemundo62, recently announced the winners of the 13th annual Widener University High School Leadership Awards.

The awards recognize high school juniors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware who have displayed exemplary leadership in their communities, allowing the university to honor more than 1,300 students over more than a decade, a news release states.

This year, the program recognized 137 students who were selected for their ability to stand up for what they believe in, speak out on behalf of others, and make an impact in their communities.

Among the winners, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards recognized students who:

•Collectively accumulated more than 700 hours of community service over the past year.

•Upheld rigorous academic course loads while still being involved in numerous extracurricular activities.

Coached and mentored younger students and others in the community.

Students recognized in Lehigh County were Rylee McGinley, Northwestern Lehigh High School, and Matthew McCarty, Northern Lehigh High School.

“For the 13th consecutive year, Widener University is delighted to honor outstanding student leaders from across our region with the High School Leadership Award,” Stacey Robertson, president of Widener University said.

“This year, we are excited to acknowledge this outstanding group of young people who have demonstrated a commitment to their communities through acts of leadership and caring. Widener is distinctive because of our inclusive culture where students belong and can thrive as their authentic selves. I salute these 137 award winners for demonstrating courage, tenacity and leadership while exhibiting the same drive reflected in Widener’s principles. We congratulate them!”

Winners were invited to an in-person program on March 20 with their families and school administrators at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia’s historic district.

In addition to being recognized as young leaders in the region, if students enroll at Widener as undergraduates, they will participate in the university’s prestigious Apogee Leadership Scholars program and receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years.

Apogee Scholars also participate in four years of leadership programming and earn a Widener Leadership Certificate.

“NBC10 and Telemundo62 take great pride in our ongoing partnership with Widener University as we join hands for another year to celebrate the accomplished recipients of this esteemed award,” said Ric Harris, president and general manager of NBC10, Telemundo62 and NBC Sports Philadelphia.

“These students are not just the future leaders; they are already making a difference today, as evidenced by their daily efforts to improve their schools and communities.

“We are proud of our continued involvement in this program and in honoring these exceptional young individuals for their remarkable achievements.

“We are eager to witness their future successes in college and beyond.”