By SARA FURLONG

s.furlong@bradfordera.com

YWCA Bradford held an uplifting ceremony Thursday to recognize the leaders who lift up their communities.

YWCA’s 2025 Leader, Sarah Tingley, and Rising Leaders Adelyn Bell and Lily Madison were honored during the YWCA’s 27th Annual Leader Luncheon.

Katherine Randall, YWCA Bradford Board president, welcomed a capacity crowd to the Mukaiyama University Room at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Randall took a moment to offer thanks in memory of Mickey Swackhamer, who passed away unexpectedly in November.

‘Our friend and our colleague, who dedicated 34 years of her life to

YWCA… page A-8

Era photo by Sara Furlong the YWCA, most of those as a very tenacious legal advocate for the Victims’ Resource Center,” Randall said. “Her advocacy was really a model for us all.”

Executive Director Angela Erway noted the YWCA Bradford’s annual luncheon represents “nearly three decades of celebrating the incredible women who shape our community.

“Each year we come together to recognize the women who lead, serve and inspire. These are the women who lift others up, who break barriers and who redefine what leadership looks like.”

Ricci Jeannerette introduced Bell, a student at Otto-Eldred High School, with a heartfelt message.

“Addie exemplifies the traits of an extraordinary leader through her community service, professional achievements and inspirational impact. Her ability to address community challenges with compassion and ingenuity is truly remarkable,” Jeannerette said. “More than her accomplishments, Addie is a source of encouragement and inspiration. She leads with her heart, always striving to uplift those around her. It is rare to find someone who embodies such a unique combination of vision, resilience and kindness.”

Bell said, “I’m truly honored and humbled to receive the Rising Leader award alongside Lily Madison. This recognition is not just mine, but a reflection of the incredible support I’ve received from my community, mentors and loved ones.

“While the journey hasn’t always been easy, each step has helped me become more resilient, compassionate and determined to make a difference.”

Loren Ferguson, counselor at Port Allegany High School, introduced Madison.

“Lily is friendly to everyone. Socially, she is welcoming, encouraging and inspiring — and she behaves that way across different cultural and socioeconomic peer groups. While she’s doing the internal work of growing and improving, she also encourages it in others and she does it with little ego and a genuine and caring heart.”

Madison said, “I have too many teachers, coaches, mentors, friends and family to thank a million times, but I hope they’re all aware of my eternal gratitude.

“I am in awe of the honors I’ve been given. I’m humbled by this award and the other accolades I’ve received. To quote Sir Isaac Newton, ‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Bradford Area School District Superintendent Katy Pude introduced the 2025 YWCA Leader.

“I believe that very few leaders in our community have had the impact on others that Sarah has had, whether she realizes that or not. She manages to find the time to nurture her teachers, consult and check on her administrative peers, to actively engage with families and most importantly to monitor and meet the needs of her students.

“Each year 500 to 600 students walk through the doors at School Street. Sarah greets every student at the door each day, and she makes sure that she knows something personal about each of them,” Pude observed. “By the second week of school, Sarah is calling every single student by their first name. She inquires about the things that are important to them, she gives them hugs and encouraging words to start the day.

“Students see Sarah’s work and her caring ways and they emulate that in the way they treat others. She’s a daily role model for hundreds of children.”

Tingley serves as the district’s homeless liaison, ensuring students experiencing homelessness, of which there were 80 in the 2023-24 school year, have access to a quality education, transportation and basic supplies.

“To know Sarah is to know someone with true professional and personal courage to stand up for others and to do what is right,” Pude said, adding Tingley has received “stacks of letters and cards from students both present and past telling her how much she is loved and the influence that she has had on their lives.

“Sarah is love, and I’m certain the YWCA is proud to recognize such a true leader with her integrity, character and competence.”

Those in attendance twice acknowledged Tingley with a standing ovation, first to welcome her to the podium and again as she concluded her remarks.

Tingley said, “It is truly an honor. I’m grateful for my family, friends and colleagues that are here today.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life to have people step in to help me when I needed them, and I’ve never forgotten them,” she said. “We must continue to pay it forward. We must continue to advocate strongly for those without voices. Everyone is worth our time and everyone deserves an opportunity to be treated with dignity and respect.”