Hi everyone. My name is Erin Lee, the new PAVA National President of 2019-2020. I’m a junior at Notre Dame High School. I’ve been a member of PAVA since I was in 6th grade. I first came to PAVA because of my older sister who worked as the District 2 President at the time. For a while, I felt burdened by all the PAVA events that I didn’t want to attend. Recently, I realized that PAVA has immensely challenged me and transformed me into the leader I prayed to have become since I was a little girl. In my experiences at PAVA, I was presented with numerous, dreadful public speaking opportunities, times when I was given responsibilities to lead groups, and moments when I just wanted to quit because I couldn’t take another parade practice. However, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I credit PAVA for teaching me perseverance, hard work, confidence, humility, and especially the fosterment of a love for my community. I see volunteering as a way to show gratitude for the little things. I’m so privileged to be surrounded by an amazing community of students and staff who have greatly impacted the way I look at myself and at life.

To conclude, I’d like to send a message to my fellow PAVA members: Although it may not seem like it now, but the world is so much bigger than doing things just for yourself. It may not seem like it now, but PAVA will help you in being successful at life. You’re here not because you’re required to, but because you want to. I know that each person has the potential to contribute to the collection of renowned leaders in this world; and how, collectively, we can make a huge impact. Let PAVA be the place in which you discover it. I look forward to being your National President. I can promise that I will work to bring unity among the PAVA members. I can promise that I will be an accomplished and determined leader that you can be proud of.

Thank you so much.

Erin Lee

Notre Dame High School

Class of 2020