MEET ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS: JOHN PANIZZA

Chester County Futures Board Member,
Long Time Mentor,
& Hero to Two Local Students

John Panizza of Downingtown, PA, spends long work days in a high-power mode as president of the Exton-based Genterra Corporation. As busy as his life is, he answered the call to serve on the Board of Directors of Chester County Futures, Inc. and signed on as a mentor to two of the disadvantaged students enrolled in CCF’s high school outreach program back in 1999.

“As a mentor and a Board member I get to see all sides of this program and how it impacts positively on individuals and on the community in which we live” says Panizza.
“I’m certain I get more out of this than I give. So it is with pleasure that I serve.”

Sam and Christian, the two young 9th grade boys Panizza began mentoring in 1999 made it successfully through high school, a feat in itself for both of them who had to overcome some extraordinary challenges to remain in school and graduate. Both give enormous credit to Panizza for the steady support and guidance he gave them, along with abundant encouragement and the occasional dose of tough love.

Panizza continues to follow their paths. One went off to college, the other entered the work world. Both “boys” are young men now but, to them, Panizza remains a valuable ally – their mentor through thick and thin.

Would he do it all again? “I’m looking forward to the day when my day to day commitments become less demanding so that I may concentrate on programs like CCF,” he says. “That would be a fine retirement plan.”

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