Be it a friend or a loved one, just about everyone knows someone who has had cancer.

While most feel helpless, unsure of what they can do to help, others, like 18-year-old Amanda Pribulsky, create their own opportunities to make a difference.

The Cambria County high school senior organized the Vollentine's Day Volleyball Tournament at Ferndale Area High School. The fundraiser featured teams from 14 area high schools to raise money for "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer."

Amanda's grandmother, Karen Wilson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, said she is proud of what her granddaughter is doing.

Amanda said her grandmother's personal fight touched her deeply.

"It's going to sound cliché, (but) I used to take everything for granted, but now I just make the best out of every situation," Amanda said.

When she saw an opportunity to use her senior project to further the cause, she jumped on it and soon had the support of fellow students, teachers and countless businesses that donated money, prizes, food and more.

School administrators said blending a student's personal interests with a cause that affects the community in a positive way is the ultimate educational experience. "It's great to see our students step forward and work together as a team -- and work together as a team for an effort which helps others in their time of need," said Steven Brown, Ferndale principal.

Amanda's mother, Lisa Pribulsky, said lending a hand is nothing new to Amanda and said it's part of who she is.

"Amanda's always been the type of child to help anybody out; she'll do anything for anybody," Pribulsky said.

Two students have already embraced the volleyball tournament and said they will carry on the tradition for their senior projects in coming years.

If you know a young person or group of young people deserving of recognition, e-mail news@wjactv.com or write to us at 49 Old Hickory Lane, Johnstown, PA, 15905