Adam Kmett

See also: Featured Educator Featured Business Partner Past Featured Students Summer 2009 Spring 2009 Winter 2008 Fall 2008

Adam Kmett, a junior at Conemaugh Township High School, won the Challenge Program Inc.’s attendance award last year. Not only did he have perfect attendance last school year, he has also not missed a day of school since sixth grade.

The Challenge Program Inc. provides $250 cash incentives to students for achievement in four areas—community service, academic excellence, academic improvement, and attendance—in the sophomore, junior, and senior grade levels.

Kmett said that the award was a great incentive for going to school every day his sophomore year. He is involved with numerous activities at his school, including National Honor Society, Outdoor Odyssey, and golf.

With the money he was awarded from The Challenge Program Inc., Kmett used some to travel with his school’s Spanish club on a trip to Europe over the summer. “The main highlight for me was seeing the beautiful French Riviera,” Kmett said. “I also made new friends during the experience, people whom I will never forget.”

Kmett also used some of the money to travel to New Orleans with his church youth group, seeing firsthand the impact of hurricane Katrina on the city. “I completed some service projects while I was there,” Kmett said. “We listened to peoples’ stories. Some groups built schools, cleaned parks and did other projects throughout the city.”

Kmett’s visit to New Orleans helped reinforce his liking towards the field of political science, which he plans to major in after he graduates from Conemaugh Township.

“I’m looking towards a constitutional law degree,” Kmett said. “I’d really like to get a job where I can become part of the political process.”

Kmett also attended the Showcase for Commerce last year and heard the Challenge Program Inc. founder, Daniel Perkins, speak about his background and success.

“Perkins is a true everyday hero,” Kmett said. “I was so impressed how he was able to start The Challenge Program and become so successful.”

Kmett’s involvement with The Challenge Program Inc. led him to great opportunities, which in turn helped him choose a future career path.

“The trips were the chance of a lifetime,” Kmett said. “I have really benefited from The Challenge Program.” The Challenge Program at Conemaugh Township High School is sponsored by Vern Henry of Allstate Insurance.

The Challenge Program Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose dual mission is to provide high school students with financial incentives for success and to build business-education partnerships.