School spotlight

Juniata Valley

Hornet Nation students turn empathy into action through fundraising and community-led support.

Highlights

Why they lead

Juniata Valley believes compassion is powerful enough to move a community.

School profile

Campus snapshot

Juniata Valley School District is based in Alexandria, Pennsylvania, and centers its work on preparing students for life with a tight-knit, community-first approach.

District

Juniata Valley School District

Address

7775 Juniata Valley Pike, Alexandria, PA 16611

Focus

We prepare our students for life.

2025 captains

Meet the 2025 CHAMP captains.

3rd Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Anna Taylor

There is something powerful about being part of a community that believes in change and shows up for others. CHAMP isn't just doing work; they are changing lives and I am honored to be a part of that.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Sophomore

Ava Wise

CHAMP is important to me since it brings the community together to help people in need. It benefits families that need extra help and gives the opportunity for kids to join together to raise awareness.

2nd Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Bethany Devore

CHAMP is important to me because it allows me to give back to my community while supporting people who need it.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Freshman

Charlee Smith

I am a freshman, and this is important because CHAMP brought our county together for a good cause. I believe it is important to help families in our community whenever possible. CHAMP has always been dear to my family, and I'm honored to be a part of it.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Sophomore

Colton Carolus

CHAMP is important to me because I think it's important that we aid those in need. There are many ways to help, and I think being in CHAMP is best.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Freshman

Elyse McCrum

CHAMP is important to me because no one should have to go through a tough time alone.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Eve McCrum

It's an opportunity for our classmates to come together and support those in our community that need

2nd Year Captain · Grade: Junior

Gavin Smith

CHAMP is important to me because it helps me know that I am helping in my community where I can. I can meet new friendships within an amazing organization that means so much to a community.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Jada Ertwine

CHAMP means so much to me! Helping others has always been one of my greatest joys. There's something truly special about coming together as a community, setting aside our differences, and supporting those who are less fortunate - it's the kind of experience that can't help but bring a smile to your face.

2nd Year Captain · Grade: Junior

Jocelyn McMahon

CHAMP is important to me because it is an amazing opportunity to help others in need and join the community for a very important cause.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Joel Lecrone

CHAMP is important to me because it has been a part of my life for years. Whether it was raising money through basketball or powderpuff volleyball games, I always found myself wanting to donate to this amazing organization that helps so many families in need.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Juan Castaneda

I get to help a bigger cause, be part of something that's beneficial for people that need

1st Year Captain · Grade: Junior

Lilly Sunderland

CHAMP is important to me because I love helping people and seeing other people happy with their families. I have seen firsthand what CHAMP has done for local families and will continue to do for those in our community.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Sophomore

Lucy Fouse

CHAMP is a great organization. Seeing all of the communities come together as one for a good cause and all sharing the same interest, which is to help people, is such an amazing sight. CHAMP also allows me to be able to help make a difference in people's lives, which means a lot to me as well.

2nd Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Madyson Burdge

CHAMP means so much to me because it's a chance to be part of something that's beneficial and truly helps people in my own community. Seeing everyone come together for such a good cause reminds me how powerful kindness can be. It makes me proud to know I'm helping make a difference in someone's life.

2nd Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Miley Byler

CHAMP has always held a very special place in my heart not only for all of the work and dedication they do for the community, but also what they have done for my family. In 2016, my sister and I were recipients, and even though I was only 8 at the time, I knew that this organization was special. Seeing all of our rivaling school districts come together to support a common goal is so beautiful!

1st Year Captain · Grade: Sophomore

Sarah Foster

CHAMP is very important to me because it helps others by bringing our communities together in unity for an important cause.

1st Year Captain · Grade: Junior

Shawnee Bishop

CHAMP is important to me because it brings our community together in a positive and supportive manner, allowing us all to work together for one amazing purpose!

1st Year Captain · Grade: Junior

Sheridan McGargle

I am excited to be a CHAMP captain this year. I have a passion to help others, especially in our community. I love seeing our community come together and help people financially through difficult times.

3rd Year Captain · Grade: Senior

Trinity Hardy

CHAMP is important to me because it shows we are not just individuals; we are a powerful force in a community that doesn't just offer help, but strength to each other in times of need.

Advisors

The educators guiding this team.

CHAMP Advisor

Kelly Johnson

I've been teaching 5th grade at Juniata Valley for 21 years. I love what I do and am proud to be part of Hornet Nation. I'm married to Dennis Johnson and have two children: Rachael and Jack. The reason I love CHAMP can be summed up by my favorite quote from John Connelly.

“the nature of humanity, it's essence, is to feel another's pain as one's own, and to act to take that pain away. There is nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy, a grace in forgiveness.”