School: Abington Senior High School, where she is a junior.

Achievement: Reilly, of Abington, is the Youth Serving Youth leader for the high school's Key Club, a service organization with 375 student members.

She recently planned and implemented a girls' only "lock-in" event to benefit Protecting Futures. That program helps girls living in sub-Saharan Africa who may miss up to four days of school each month because they lack sanitary protection to use during menstruation.

Thirty-eight sophomores, juniors and seniors from Abington's Key Club spent 12 hours - 9 p.m. March 28 to 9 a.m. March 29 - in the basement of Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Abington, along with teacher Debra Jack, the club's adviser.

Money was raised through donations, raffles, T-shirt sales, and fees to participate in the "lock-in" event. Also, teachers from the high school supported the cause by making a donation for a "dress-down" day.

"We listened to music, watched movies, played some fun games, and did our nails," said Reilly, 17.

The Key Club had organized a previous lock-in for another cause. Reilly said she brainstormed with some friends and realized a "girly project" such as a lock-in would be a good way to promote Protecting Futures.

A total of $500 was raised, all of which was donated to the program.

"Protecting Futures will use the money to improve schools and give girls the sanitary resources they need, so they do not miss school," Reilly said.

Question: How did you learn about the Protecting Futures program?

Answer: I saw a commercial on television. I wrote down the Web site, protectingfutures.com, and looked into information on the organization.

Q: Why did you decide to raise awareness about this issue?

A: Because the information really caught me off guard. There are many reasons that students miss school, and this honestly should not be one of them.

Q: Why do you feel compelled to help?

A: As a young woman, I feel compelled to help make a difference because I have goals in my life and I know that the only way I can achieve those goals is to get a good education. This goes for anyone, including the young women in Africa.

Q: What was the reaction from your peers?

A: Girls were stunned to hear about this lack of sanitary supplies for the young women in Africa, and they realized people really do need to help this cause and support it.

Q: What do you enjoy most about service work?

A: I love to help and serve young children in any way.  I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that what I can do or have done can really make a difference in someone's life.

Q: What else is planned to help Protecting Futures?

A: Considering the feedback from the students, we hope to host another "lock-in" to benefit this organization, but so far, nothing else is officially planned.

Q: How do you think you are similar to the African girls who are your age?

A: I think I am similar to the girls in Africa because education is very important to me and I know that the girls in Africa want to have a good education. I want everyone to have a fair chance at reaching their goals.

What the Key Club's adviser says: "Shannon is a dynamo of energy - always thinking about what she can do to help Abington Senior High School's Key Club be successful in our service projects," said Jack, who also is a reading specialist.

"Her novel ideas," Jack said, "enhanced by her commitment and willingness to serve, have made her a backbone of our club."

- Erica Lamberg