Cheswick teen’s passion for giving back earns Junior Achievement’s 18 Under Eighteen distinction
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Emma Winkler’s goal is to make the world a better place, and she’s starting in her own backyard to make that happen.
Winkler, 16, of Cheswick has led a senior prom and winter formal dance at Longwood at Oakmont in Plum, where she also works as a part-time server. She also started the Helping Hands club at Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, where students focus on volunteerism and community service.
“It ultimately goes back to my parents,” she said, referring to Chris and Kelly Winkler. “They taught me at a very young age to always give back to the ones that are always in need.”
Winkler was named to the Junior Achievement 18 Under Eighteen Class of 2024.
Winkler’s public service started in 2020 during the pandemic. She learned how to sew, and she made more than 600 masks for nurses at UPMC St. Margaret and others in the community.
“That’s when I saw the true effect of giving back to my community,” she said.
She also volunteers and mentors young children at the Fun and Freedom youth camp, where kids learn about teamwork, leadership and community.
Winkler and one of her co- workers at Longwood at Oakmont initiated, raised money for and planned a Senior Prom at the facility, held in May.
“It was popular among all the residents, and they asked if I could host another one. And that’s what we did in 2023 as our winter formal.”
In December, members of Winkler’s Helping Hands club at Oakland Catholic coordinated a Winter Wonderland formal at Longwood. Students arranged for food, drinks, refreshments, raffle baskets, a DJ and dancing for residents.
Winkler acknowledged that when she and friend Grier Primrose started Helping Hands in October, it was tricky to get students involved. But she recalled the night before when students were preparing and setting up the event that they realized the joy in giving back.
“It was definitely then when people realized that this was going to be fun,” she said.
Karen Dopico, campus ministry and religion teacher at Oakland Catholic and Helping Hands adviser, met Winkler last year. She said Winkler has always been high-achieving and a great student.
“Emma has always had this drive about her wanting to give back to the community,” Dopico said.
Dopico said Winkler has grown into a leadership role through coordinating events with Helping Hands.
“It’s just been so cool to see how she’s rallied this group of girls to give back to others,” Dopico said.
Upon graduation, Winkler intends to pursue a career in pediatric anesthesiology.
Until then, she hopes to continue and grow her involvement in giving back to the community.
“My main goal is to encourage everyone around me, especially my generation, to take the initiative to better their communities,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be big. But any little support can help no matter what you do.”