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- Making a Difference
- 4 mins
The YWCA Bradford recognizes Sarah Tingley as 2025's Leader. Sarah has dedicated 30 years to education, serving as the principal of School Street Elementary in the Bradford Area School District for the past 18 years. A lifelong advocate for student success, she has worked tirelessly to foster a positive and inclusive school environment. Under her 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 first endeavors was to start the District's first food pantry for students.
Beyond her work in education, Sarah has been a committed leader in the community. She has served as a Board Member of the YWCA for ore than 4 years and previously dedicated eight years to the Guidance Center Board. As the BASD Homeless Liaison, she works to ensure educational stability for students facing housing insecurity.
Born and raised in Bradford, Sarah 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 draws daily inspiration from the students, families, and staff she serves. Sarah's family includes her husband, Tim, her son, Dan and his wife Lauren, and her daughter, Megan.
The 2025 Rising Leader, Adelyn Bell, is a senior attending Otto-Eldred Jr. Sr. High School. Born and raised in Eldred, she lives there with her mom, Amy, her dad, Steve, and her two brothers, Zaz and Harris. Her family has hosted 11 foreign exchange students from all over the world, whom she also considers brothers and sisters.
Adelyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and playing sports. She is actively involved in basketball, volleyball, track, band, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the National Honor Society. Additionally, she is a competitive water-skier, currently ranked 13th nationally, and has served as a captain for many of her sports teams.
Adelyn is dedicated to helping others and inspiring the younger generation. She has volunteered with Academic Year in America assisting new foreign exchange students from various countries as they adjust to life in America. She also owns and operates her own business, Addie’s Vegetable Stand, which helps raise awareness and money for local charities in her community.
Adelyn recently received the Pennsylvania Keystone Star award through FFA in the area of agri-business. She is also currently the mantle holder in her class at Otto-Eldred both academically and in agricultural science. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry on a pre-medical track. Adelyn is honored to be named the YWCA’s Rising Leader and is dedicated to continuing to make a difference in people’s lives and playing an active role in her community.
The 2025 Rising Leader, Lily Madison, is a senior at Port Allegany High School and the daughter of John and Carrie Madison.
She holds several leadership positions including the President of Peer Helpers, Vice President of the 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 & Field team, and President of the French Club. She is also a member of the concert band, concert choir, chamber singers, jazz band, and varsity club and has had lead roles in both the fall plays and spring musicals.
In her community, she serves her church weekly by operating the audio/visual livestream for the church service and is an active member of her youth group. She volunteers during the school year at a Christian camp by the name of Mission Meadows where she works in the summer.
Awards and recognition from her school include the Certificate of Superior Achievement, High Honor Roll, and induction into Port Allegany’s branch of the National Honor Society. Additionally, she has received a Certificate of Merit from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award from the University of Rochester.
After graduating from high school, Lily plans to attend a four-year university for a pre-medical undergraduate degree. Her goal is to go to medical school and become a physician. She also hopes to join Doctors Without Borders.
Lily is grateful to be chosen as a Rising Leader and hopes to inspire others to choose a life of service.
