Lily Rumpf believes one of Annandale's greatest strengths is its diversity, and she has worked to bridge the language, racial, and class differences that can divide communities. College and Career Specialist Vira Acosta says that, “Lily is an outstanding leader whose commitment to equity, community service, and student empowerment has made a meaningful impact.”
For the past three years, Lily has tutored in the Atoms Writing Center, providing academic support in both English and Spanish. She organized schoolwide workshops, often with as many as 50 students, and she collaborated with teachers to provide targeted help for ESOL and IB students. By helping students succeed academically, Lily feels she is opening doors to opportunities that lead them to employment and fuller participation in their communities.
Lily was inspired to address an issue she felt Annandale wasn't yet covering: financial literacy. She had observed that children who grow up in households that discuss financial security are better equipped to manage their own finances as adults. Many families lack familiarity with the American financial system or do not teach these concepts to their children. Lily recognized this gap as an opportunity to empower her classmates, and she decided to act.
As a finance enthusiast, Lily created presentations covering the basics of finance for high school students, including credit cards, bank accounts, and retirement investment accounts. These sessions are translated live into Spanish by student volunteers, ensuring accessibility for all families. Lily notes that "Financial freedom often leads to financial peace.” She understands that financial security helps to reduce stress and conflict, making it easier for people to build stable, productive lives and contribute positively to the world around them.
As President of the National Business Honor Society, Lily has introduced a service component to the club. She leads financial information sessions where members can provide financial advice as a community resource. "My goal is to create a lasting culture of enthusiasm and love of learning about finance that will continue after I graduate," she explains.
Beyond her financial literacy work, Lily serves as an executive board member for the Class of 2026, where she has organized multiple fundraising events to help low-income students afford prom tickets. She volunteered with the PTSA, collecting donations for Food for Neighbors and assisting with the All Night Grad Auction. She also worked with her basketball team through the Readers for Leaders program to advance literacy at Braddock Elementary School.
Lily's commitment to breaking down barriers extends across academic support, economic education, and community service. She understands that peace requires more than good intentions. It necessitates creating practical tools that help students navigate systems, secure employment, and build futures where they can thrive as productive members of society. Through her tutoring, financial workshops, and service leadership, Lily works to ensure that all Annandale students, regardless of background, have access to the knowledge and resources they need for happy, fulfilling, and stable lives.