MAKING WAVES
Our Team
Get to know the team
Samantha
President - Co-Founder
Hi! I’m Samantha Schoenborn, co-founder of Making Waves FL, a volunteer organization that serves as a platform for members to get involved with their community and help support other charitable organizations. I am a 17-year-old student-athlete who loves helping others and wants to make a difference in our community.
As a 9th grader during Covid, I realized it could be challenging to find volunteer opportunities and to gain real insight into those opportunities that were available. As a result, I thought it would be helpful to blog about my volunteer experiences for others and draw more attention to various charitable organizations. With that idea, I launched Making Waves FL in June of 2021 to attract and motivate other teen volunteers. I also wanted to show others how rewarding and fun it can be to volunteer and to work together as a team.
As a competitive swimmer for Pine Crest Swim Club and the South Florida Heat, I have learned a lot about hard-work, commitment, and leadership. I want to inspire others to lead by giving back to their community. I am very motivated and always looking for ways to improve myself and help others.
I am a diligent student at Broward Virtual School (BVS) and a member of the National Honor Society. I received the Presidential Honors Award for academic excellence. Additionally, I was a finalist and award recipient for the 2023 Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program.
When I am not in school, swimming or volunteering, I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my family and my three dogs.
Evan
Vice President - Co-Founder
I’m Evan Schoenborn, a 15-year-old student-athlete and co-founder of Making Waves FL. I am currently in the 10th grade at Broward Virtual School (BVS) and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. I received the Presidential Honors Award along with recognition in math, science and language arts for academic excellence.
Additionally, I play travel soccer for Parkland Soccer Club. I am very dedicated and work hard at everything I do to have success in school and on the field.
I think Making Waves FL is a great way to get involved with my community by supporting many different organizations and sharing the experiences with others. I want to give back to my community and inspire others to do the same.
Hobbies I enjoy include playing other sports, working out, playing guitar, drums and piano, 3D art and animation, VFX, and video games.
Leo
Team Leader
I’m Leo Hauser, a member of the Making Waves FL team, and have been volunteering with them since 2023. I am a student-athlete at Pine Crest School, and I enjoy helping the community in any way I can.
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At Pine Crest, I participate in extracurriculars such as the ambassador program, which helps to educate others about the school, as well as clubs and athletics. As a member of multiple clubs in my school, I have learned the value of working with others, and I enjoy coming together to achieve a common goal.
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One of my favorite things to do is swim. I compete for Pine Crest School during the high school season and their club team year-round. Having friends that I have grown up with on my team and being surrounded by good people has helped me thrive not only in school but also in different aspects of my life. Through my years in swimming, I have learned the significance of hard work, dedication, and loyalty in any task I am faced with.
I am honored to be a part of this volunteer team and have the ability to work alongside my friends to push me to make a positive impact in the community.
Gioia
Team Leader
I’m Gioia Balzano a member of the Making Waves Fl Volunteer Team. I’m a student-athlete and I love helping others.
I enjoy participating in school clubs and organizations as a student of Broward Virtual School. As an officer of the National Honor Society and American Sign Language Club, I enjoy contributing to my school and working with other students.
My great passion is swimming. By competing for my club Eagle Aquatics and high school team South Florida Heat, I have learned the importance of dedication, sacrifice and hard work.
I am so honored to be a part of this volunteer team. By performing acts of service, we are making a positive impact in our community and our lives.
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