Ellie Falb

Ellie Falb has always been willing to step up and volunteer her time to benefit others, whether reading to children at the local library or helping at an area hospital

Falb, 16, a junior at Newton Falls High School, was named a 2024 Twenty Under 20 honoree by the Tribune Chronicle. The program is co-sponsored by Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley and AVI Foodsystems.

Mark Baker, a science teacher at Newton Falls High School, said he and other school staff have noted that Falb “has been an instrumental member of the school community participating in or directly leading numerous school and community acts of service.”

Baker said Falb is continually involved in efforts to improve the world around her. In addition to her work within the schools, Falb donates her time at a hospital, the Newton Falls Public Library and the local food pantry.

“I am interested in a career in health care. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to help people however I can,” Falb said.

For two summers, Falb has volunteered at Summa Health System in Akron.

“There I am able to help people make a difference,” Falb said.

“I love reading to children and seeing their eyes light up and the smiles on their faces,” Falb said.

At the library, she helps organize the children’s programming and is a positive role model for the kindergarten children who benefit from her reading.

“I like knowing my volunteering makes a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

Baker said Falb takes the time to educate her peers, providing valuable hands-on experience for other teenagers and motivating them to pursue their goals .

“Ellie continues a long tradition of great leaders who both guide others using their experiences, and show others using their actions,” Baker and other staff wrote in Falb’s nomination letter.

Falb has shown leadership by organizing a paper collection drive at the school and coordinating it with the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District. She also organized several food drives to help the school food pantry and distributed those items in the community.

At the school, Falb has served as class president for the Class of 26 all three years of her high school career.

“Her dedication to the service of others has led her to become an impactful leader, dedicated to making the world around her a better place and raising up others so that they might lead themselves in her wake,” the nomination letter states.