Colonial Elementary School students Delaney Strum and James Katon along with Colonial Middle School Student Jessica Jara were honored with the DeNicola Bright Light Award presented by the DeNicola Family Foundation.
The DeNicola Bright Light Award recognizes young people who are committed to community service through meaningful volunteer activities. It was created to honor young leaders who serve as role models and those who inspire others through their kindness dedication and willingness to give back.
Delaney and Jessica partnered to give back to Nemours Children's Hospital since the girls were little. Delaney who lives with juvenile arthritis and Jessica a pediatric cancer survivor both received care at Nemours. Together they began hosting toy drives for the hospital and later transitioned to collecting pajamas to bring comfort to young patients.
James Katona has been collecting pajamas for St Christopher's Hospital for Children. He was inspired by his own experience as a young patient after suffering a burn accident and receiving pajamas during his hospital stay. James committed to paying it forward. His 2025 goal was to collect more than 1000 pajamas.
Each student received plaques and a check donation to support their pajama drives.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate these young leaders who prove that kindness, resilience and generosity can make a powerful impact at any age” stated Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation.
“Delaney, Jessica and James reflect the spirit of the DeNicola Bright Light Award, and we are incredibly proud to honor these remarkable young leaders and support the impact they are making in their communities” stated Natalie Scarantino Sadler, Program Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation.
