ELLENVILLE – Adriana Sorbara, a senior at Ellenville High School, has joined the board of directors of the Ellenville Regional Hospital Foundation (ERHF), which is the fundraising vehicle for the Ellenville Regional Hospital.
Sorbara credits her experience in the Business & Entrepreneurship program at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center with preparing her to take on the role. She was recommended for the Board of Directors by Ellenville High principal Carl Pabon after serving as a student representative as a junior.
“This young adult has used obstacles and turned them into steppingstones,” Pabon said. “She’s an amazing young woman, and the best is yet to come in her impact in this society—regionally and beyond. I know that as a fact.”
Sorbara credits her business and entrepreneurship course teacher Liz Harrington with setting her up for success and for starting her on the path for her involvement in the community board position. She was also inspired by Ellenville’s school and community for inspiring her path of service. Sorbara’s mother worked at the Ellenville Public Library, which laid the foundation for her sense of community. However, she didn’t realize how close her community was until she joined the ERHF board of directors.
“Everyone was so welcoming when I joined the board. I want to make a difference in my community; I want to help,” Sorbara said. “The hospital is an anchor in my community, and I am proud to be a part of a strong community and help when possible.”
When asked about the other board members’ impact on her, Sorbara added: “Sitting in a room with people who share their successes, they show me I can do that too. This experience has taught me that it doesn’t matter where you come from. Anyone can make a difference.”
Sorbara plans on attending college in the South but will still stay involved by joining meetings on Zoom and returning to Ellenville on breaks and for fundraising events.
