Each year, YWCA Bradford recognizes women who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to the community.

At its 27th Annual Leader Luncheon this week, the YWCA will recognize Sarah Tingley as its 2025 YWCA Leader, and Adelyn Bell and Lily Madison as Rising Leaders.

Tingley has dedicated 30 years to education, serving as the principal of School Street Elementary in the Bradford Area School District (BASD) for the past 18 years.

‘A lifelong advocate for student success, she has worked tirelessly to foster a positive and inclusive school environment,’ YWCA representatives said.

Under Tingley’s leadership, School Street Elementary has gained recognition for its Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program and has served as a model school for the Leader in Me initiative. One of her earliest initiatives was establishing the district’s first food pantry for students.

Beyond her work in education, Tingley has been a committed leader in the community, serving as a board member of the YWCA for more than four years and previously dedicating eight years to the Guidance Center Board. As the BASD Homeless Liaison, she ensures educational stability for students experiencing housing insecurity.

Born and raised in Bradford, Tingley deeply believes, like the YWCA, that strong communities are built through care, advocacy and education. For this reason, she is especially honored to be recognized by the YWCA for this award. She finds daily inspiration from the students, families, and staff she serves.

Tingley’s family includes her husband, Tim; her son, Dan, and his wife, Lauren; and her daughter, Megan.

Adelyn Bell is a senior at Otto-Eldred High School. Raised in Eldred, she lives with her parents, Amy and Steve Bell; and her two brothers, Zaz and Harris. Her family has also hosted 11 foreign exchange students, whom she considers part of her family.

Adelyn is actively involved in basketball, volleyball, track, band, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and National Honor Society. A competitive water-skier, currently ranked 13th nationally, she has served as a captain for several of her sports teams.

Dedicated to helping others, Bell volunteers with Academic Year in America, assisting foreign exchange students as they adjust to life in the United States. She also owns and operates her own business, Addie’s Vegetable Stand, which raises awareness and funds for local charities.

Adelyn recently received the Pennsylvania Keystone Star award through FFA in agribusiness and is currently the mantle holder in her class for both academics and agricultural science. She plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry on a pre-medical track.

‘Honored to be named a YWCA Rising Leader, Adelyn is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives and playing an active role in her community,’ YWCA officials said.

Lily Madison is a senior at Port Allegany High School and the daughter of John and Carri Madison. She is a dedicated leader in both her school and community and holds several leadership positions including president of Peer Helpers, vice president of National Honor Society, captain of the varsity girls’ soccer team, drum major in the marching band, president of the Drama Club, president of the GSA, captain of the varsity track and field team and president YWCA… page A-8

Sarah Tingley

Adelyn Bell

Lily Madison of the French Club.

She is also an active member of the concert band, concert choir, chamber singers, jazz band, and varsity club and has played lead roles in both the fall plays and spring musicals.

In her community, Madison serves her church by operating the weekly audio/ visual livestream and is an active youth group member. She also volunteers at Mission Meadows, a Christian camp where she works in the summer.

Madison’s dedication has earned her numerous awards, including the Certificate of Superior Achievement, High Honor Roll, a Certificate of Merit from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from the University of Rochester.

She plans to attend a four-year university on a pre-medical track with the goal of becoming a physician and joining Doctors Without Borders.

“Lily is grateful to be chosen as a Rising Leader and hopes to inspire others to choose a life of service,” YWCA officials said.

More than 300 nomination forms are distributed each year to businesses, organizations, civic leaders and school districts across McKean County. These nominations help identify women whose exceptional community service, professional achievements or academic excellence exemplify strong leadership. In 2006, the YWCA introduced the Rising Leaders award to recognize young women aged 16 to 25 who demonstrate leadership potential.

This year ’s 27th Annual Leader Luncheon will take place at noon Thursday in Mukaiyama University Room at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Founded in 1915, the YWCA Bradford provides vital services and support to women, men and families throughout McKean County, serving more than 1,000 individuals each year. The YWCA provides domestic violence and sexual assault services, emergency housing support and a mental health and developmental disabilities program. YWCA Bradford works to be a cornerstone of support and advocacy in the community.