Elizabethtown College first-year Political Science major Olivia Pituch ’26 recently received the 2023 Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award from The King Center. Pituch and other board members of the Central York High School Panther Anti-Racist Union (PARU) were honored at the 2023 Beloved Community Awards in Atlanta, Ga. in January.
The Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award recognizes young leaders or youth-focused organizations who exemplify leadership in peace, social justice, and nonviolent social change to help create the Beloved Community.
[left to right] Ben Hodge (Club Advisor), Patricia A. Jackson (Club Advisor), Christina Ellis (Former Vice President), Dr. Bernice King, Edha Gupta (Former President), Olivia Pituch (Former Secretary and Current Social Media Advisor), Renee Ellis (Current President)
“Not only was it the highest honor to sit among amazing people, but to know we were being celebrated equally with them was astonishing,” Pituch said. “I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bernice King and hearing her speak about the Beloved Community and her father’s legacy was surreal. All around me were like-minded people who refused to stay quiet and conform to injustice. The speeches touched me deeply, and it was incredible to meet so many of the people in attendance, awardees, presenters, and audience members alike.”
Pituch and her former classmates earned the award for their work advocating for anti-racist practices and education. When the Central York School District Board banned an extensive list of diversity resources in the fall of 2021, Pituch, and the other board members of the PARU, planned protests, led community protests, and talked to anyone who would listen to spread awareness and educate others.
Sharing their message at board meetings led to local, national, and even international inquiries. Eventually, the school board reversed the ban, but the work didn’t stop there for Pituch and her classmates.
“We are continuing to work, focusing our attention on diversity celebrations, curriculum writing, diversity training, educating others, etc.,” Pituch said.
When Pituch first toured at Etown, she was blown away by the emphasis the College placed on the importance of inclusivity, leading her to choose Etown to continue her education in Political Science.
“From the LGBTQ+ flags in the Baugher Student Center to the gender-neutral bathrooms to the variety of incredible clubs, I knew Etown was the place for me,” Pituch said. “Etown strives to be an environment best benefitting the students, free of hate and injustice.”
Pituch’s passion for advocacy and activism has continued into her Etown career.
“As John Lewis said, ‘When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.’ This is something I live by,” Pituch said. “I am planning on being more involved with various clubs on campus to ensure my passion for advocacy is being fulfilled. I also hope to educate others on what I know and have experienced to help them find their voice.”
Watch Olivia and her classmates receive the 2023 Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award.
