AHA Senior Devyn Pupo Honored with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award

Devyn Pupo, a senior at the Academy of the Holy Angels and a resident of Tappan, NY, has been awarded the prestigious Rockland County Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award for her exceptional dedication to service and community outreach. A shining example of AHA’s mission to inspire students to serve others, Devyn exemplifies the values of compassion, leadership, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Devyn’s journey in philanthropy began in January 2022 when she founded “Hearts for Heroes” in response to the tragic murders of NYPD detectives Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera. Devyn rallied over 500 children from the religious education program at St. John Henry Newman Parish in Tappan to create heart-shaped keepsakes for the officers who worked with these detectives. Each small wooden heart was decorated with messages of support, satin cords, and beads, providing a tangible reminder for officers that their sacrifices are deeply appreciated.

What began as a single act of kindness has since grown into a widespread initiative. Devyn has organized an annual 9/11 service project at Cottage Lane Elementary School in Blauvelt, her alma mater, expanding the program to honor all first responders, including firefighters, EMTs, and frontline healthcare workers. To date, she has distributed over 2,100 heartfelt keepsakes, which are presented on the anniversary of 9/11 and during times of crisis throughout New York City and the local community.

Devyn has personally delivered these keepsakes and shared her project at roll calls in NYPD’s 32nd Precinct in Harlem and the 46th Precinct in the Bronx, further strengthening the bonds between her community and the brave individuals who serve it.

Devyn’s inspiration stems from her father, NYPD Lt. Christopher Pupo, who passed away from a 9/11-related illness when she was only five years old. She dedicates her efforts to his memory, carrying forward his legacy of service.

Devyn’s work is a true reflection of the Academy of the Holy Angels’ mission to prepare young women to lead and serve in a global society. At AHA, students are encouraged to live out the core values of the School Sisters of Notre Dame: to recognize the dignity of every person and to use their gifts to make a positive impact in the world.

As Devyn prepares to graduate, her incredible contributions remind us all of the power of service, empathy, and perseverance. Her work with Hearts for Heroes serves as a testament to the extraordinary change one person can inspire, and we look forward to seeing how Devyn will continue to make a difference in the years to come.

Congratulations, Devyn, on this well-deserved recognition! You embody the spirit of the Academy of the Holy Angels, and we are so proud of all you have accomplished.