MALVERN, PA — High school students from across Chester County came together at the Desmond Hotel on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, for a special banquet marking the end of this year’s Chester County Student Forum. The highlight of the evening was an inspiring presentation by keynote speaker Margaret (Maggie) Walsh, a proud alumna of Oxford Area High School and a former member of the forum.
Walsh shared her unique post-high school path, which diverged from the traditional trajectory of immediate college followed by career. Instead, her journey was enriched by her service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, where she played active roles during pivotal moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philadelphia protests in June 2020, and the January 2021 unrest in Washington, D.C.
Her story is not just one of service but of perseverance and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges. Walsh emphasized the importance of staying open to opportunities and leaning on peers for support and advice. “Listen to each other and lean on each other,” she advised current members of the forum, underscoring the value of shared experiences and mutual support.
Walsh’s reflections on the impact of the student forum resonated with attendees. She highlighted how the forum broadened her worldview, exposed her to diverse perspectives, and underscored the importance of community. Her experience serves as a testament to the forum’s role in fostering student leadership and enhancing connections among Chester County high schools and the wider community.
Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), noted the significance of Walsh’s message for the students. “Hearing Maggie’s story of navigating through obstacles with gratitude provides valuable lessons in resilience and seeking assistance when needed,” Gurnee remarked. She lauded Walsh as a model of the forum’s core values, including the promotion of student leadership and inter-school collaboration.
The Chester County Student Forum’s year-end banquet became a memorable occasion, reminding students of the varied paths success can take and the importance of community and resilience in their personal and academic lives.
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