Top female achiever is recipient of Deborah Penta Female Leadership Scholarship

WESTBOROUGH _ Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. recently announced that Kathryn Emily Wilchynski is the 2008 Recipient of the Deborah Penta Female Leadership Scholarship. Wilchynski, a Westborough High School senior, is setting her sights on being a mathematics teacher and will be attending Northeastern University in the fall.

“It is amazing to see the energy, enthusiasm and ambition in young women today. We were very impressed with all of the applicants,” said Penta, “Kathryn stood out through her consistent demonstration of exemplary leadership and excellence in academics, music, sports and community service and consistently served as a role model and mentor for her peers.”

“Kathryn is a hard worker in and out of school,” said Jacqueline Smith, a Westborough High School teacher. “I know that she will be a good, solid teacher, one who is dedicated to her craft, always striving to be better. I envision her being involved in her school, advising organizations and helping where needed.”

Wilchynski is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Musical Honor Society, is the recipient of a Girl Scouts U.S.A. Gold Award and Spirit Alive Award, received her Gymnastics and Track and field Varsity Pins and is the recipient of numerous leadership awards. In addition, she dedicated many hours to community service projects over the years to benefit the American Cancer Society, the Girl Scouts, Westborough Music Parents Association, St. Mary’s Church, and the Westborough Recreation Department.

“A leader is not afraid to take charge and doesn’t follow the crowd,” said Wilchynski. “She is capable of guiding a group, and at the same time, considerate to others and willing to take suggestions.”

“Kathryn made a difference in everything she touched and managed to excel in every one of those areas,” said Penta. “Her ability to juggle so much and do it all so well will serve her in the future as she strives to achieve a career and maintain a balance in her life.”

Wilchynski is the recipient of the Gold Award, which is the highest award in Girl Scouts. It requires 65 hours of leadership direction.

“I made a video about the effects of underage drinking and presented it to a middle school class and my high schools SADD (Student’s Against Destructive Decisions) group,” she said.

Westborough Police Officer and School Liaison Officer Charles Dapolite worked with Wilchynski on the project.

“She is a very hard worker and an excellent citizen for the town of Westborough,” Dapolite said. “In addition, she has a wonderfully positive attitude and is just a great person.”

“Kathryn is a focused and mature young woman, said Deborah Cobb, project coordinator for the Trust for Public Land in San Francisco, California. “She has taken many opportunities that have afforded her to work within her community. She accepts the challenges that being in a leadership position provides, whether it be in her school setting, scouting, mentoring younger girls, church or providing support to charity projects.”

“We were very proud to recognize Kathryn as our 2008 scholarship recipient,” Penta said.