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Our Team

Get to know the team

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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 16-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 14-year-old student-athlete and co-founder of Making Waves FL.  I am currently in the 9th 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. 

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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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