Lea Packolyk, a sixth grade student of George P. Nicholson Elementary, is a member of the Ben Stelter School Fundraiser’s internal team, working with peers in junior and senior high school on the mission to bring Proton Therapy to Canada.
In her role, Packolyk works within the Peoples department as an Events Coordinator, responsible for running internal team events, coordinating school in-person visits, sending calendar invites, reminders, and follow-up feedback for scheduled events, and maintaining updates on events and participant information.
Dutt Vyas, Director of People, has commended Lea for her contributions and ability on the team.
“What stood out about Lea was her maturity for her age. Despite working alongside team members who are 3–4 years older than her, she consistently demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Her hard work and dedication are very evident, and she has become a valuable member of our team, working very hard as an event coordinator.”
Additionally, Packolyk herself remarked on her experience as the youngest member of the initiative.
“When I first joined the team, working with members who were a few years older than me felt a little intimidating. Over time, I learned that age doesn’t define your potential, your value, or your ability to make a difference. Me being the youngest member of the Ben Stelter School Fundraiser has shown me that everyone has something important to contribute and that great ideas and positive impacts can come for all ages.”
Packolyk has been a member of the Ben Stelter School Fundraiser since March, but she has been involved since early on in her fifth grade year. Her decision to join the organization was based on hopes of making a positive and tangible difference.
“I decided to join the Ben Selter School fundraiser after receiving encouragement from my teachers and parents,” shared Packolyk. “At first, I was debating whether or not I should apply, but I began to realize the positive impact I could make. At school, in leadership, I was already making an impact. That positive impact meant so much to me that I decided that I wanted the opportunity to be a part of the Ben Stelter Foundation and spread that positive impact for bigger things to help even more people.”
Packolyk additionally added the lessons she has learned from the experience.
“I have learned how important perseverance and being optimistic is. Things don’t work out the first time, or the second, or maybe even the third, but that doesn’t mean you should back down. Success mainly comes from never giving up, learning from mistakes, giving your absolute best effort and pushing yourself to your limits. But even if things don’t turn out as planned, you can say that you worked hard and never stopped trying.”
As the BSSF prepares for future endeavors, such as the upcoming fall program, Packolyk will play a key role in the initiative’s aspirations to bring Proton Therapy to Canada.
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