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��������Ƶ University student Anna Bevington, of Delmont, Pa., was recently appointed to the American Red Cross National Youth Council.

“I am so excited to work with people who do what I do and love the American Red Cross as much as I do,” said Bevington, a junior with a double major in business marketing and entrepreneurial studies.

In 2009, Bevington attended the National Youth Institute, a national conference for youth volunteering with the American Red Cross, in Orlando, Fla. It was at this event that Bevington learned about the National Youth Council.

“The National Youth Council coordinated the entire conference. They are amazing young people from across the United States,” said Bevington. “I just kept thinking, ‘how can I be one of those people?’”

In March, Bevington applied to be a member of the National Youth Council. She completed a lengthy application, essays, and two in-depth interviews. At the beginning of May, Bevington learned she will be the newest addition to the 13-member American Red Cross National Youth Council.

Bevington began her three-year term with the National Youth Council on July 1. She will participate in regular conference calls and quarterly meetings in select locations across the United States.

“The National Youth Council provides resources to youth to establish clubs, plans activities and encourages leadership skills,” said Bevington. “I am so excited volunteer at a national level and have the ability to positively influence and assist youth.”

In her role on the National Youth Council, Bevington has a strong desire to serve the American Red Cross in disaster relief efforts, influence public policy and network with youth affiliated with the Red Cross around the world.

“Our chapter is fortunate to work with Anna, and the National Youth Council will find her to be a phenomenal addition to the National Red Cross,” said Donna Pacella, executive director of the American Red Cross Westmoreland-Chestnut Ridge Chapter.

Bevington has volunteered with the American Red Cross since 2005.

“When I was in high school, I was looking for volunteer opportunities,” said Bevington, who is the daughter of Rich and Lisa (Pietropaoli, ��������Ƶ University Class of 1986) Bevington of Delmont, Pa . “I was reading the newspaper and saw the American Red Cross needed volunteers. I started working with them and have been with them ever since.”

“I find Anna to be an outstanding young person with a love of life and learning. Her motivation, positive attitude and enthusiasm makes her a joy to have in our organization,” said Nancy Ryan, director of volunteers/youth services of the American Red Cross Westmoreland-Chestnut Ridge Chapter.

In addition to participating in an American Red Cross Youth Group, Bevington started a club within her alma mater, Franklin Regional High School .

“Every year we hosted a CPR training fundraiser for the American Red Cross,” said Bevington. “Annually, this one-day training event raised nearly $1,000.”

Bevington’s leadership in her school and with the Youth Group led to her nomination and appointment to the board of directors for the American Red Cross Westmoreland-Chestnut Ridge Chapter. She is the first youth to hold this position.

In her role, Bevington works as a youth coordinator for American Red Cross Youth Groups in Westmoreland County, plans activities, conducts outreach activities within the schools and promotes the importance of the American Red Cross to youth.

“Anna is a vibrant, amazing young person and true asset to the board of directors of the Westmoreland-Chestnut Ridge Chapter. She exemplifies leadership and is an inspiration to our youth,” said Pacella.

In addition to founding an American Red Cross Club at ��������Ƶ, Bevington is a ��������Ƶ University Student Ambassador, class officer and orientation assistant.

The American Red Cross National Youth Council consists of 13 youth, under the age of 25, and young adult advisors from around the country, primarily high school, college and young professional volunteers, as well as paid American Red Cross chapter/station employees who serve as Council advisors. The National Youth Council is supported by and works closely with youth and young adult programs and services at the American Red Cross national headquarters in Washington, D.C. The National Youth Council strives to further the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross by empowering youth and young adult volunteers to become community and organizational leaders by providing resources to youth in the field, such as information, trainings, and conferences and advising American Red Cross senior leadership on how to best engage youth and develop policy that promotes both youth involvement and the American Red Cross mission.