On April 28, The Florida Department of Education awarded Chase Magnano, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, the Youth Outstanding School Volunteer Award for Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), St. Johns County and Region II of Florida (12 county region in North-Northeast Florida). This award is presented annually to school volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida schools. Award winners were selected based on character, breadth and type of volunteer service, and impact of volunteer contribution. Superintendent Tim Forson presented this award to Chase on a Zoom call along with PVHS Principal Fred Oberkher.
Magnano has been active in a variety of volunteer positions throughout his time in high school. In his sophomore year, he co-founded a 501c3 nonprofit organization called JaxTHRIVE (Teens Helping Refugee Integrate Via Engagement) that inspired over 200 volunteers to support their cause and contribute almost 5000 service hours to the Jacksonville community.
At Ponte Vedra High, Magnano served as both his junior and senior Class President during both his junior and senior years and is the class of 2020 Salutatorian. This past year, he partnered with his guidance department and PTO to help design and lead a multi-faceted Wellness Month. He also served on the St. John’s County Super-SAC committee, where he was able to bring the Sources of Strength back to PVHS to enhance and promote the mental wellbeing of the student body. Chase believes that his efforts with our superintendent, his community, and in his own school have all reinforced the notion that when we act with passion, incredible change can happen.
June 9, 2026
