Holzer '26 Leads Clean Water Initiative Rooted in Service and Sustainability

At St. Augustine Prep, students are not only challenged to grow academically—they are called to become servant leaders who respond to the needs of the world with compassion, purpose, and action. Rising senior Jake Holzer ’25 is answering that call in a profound way, leading a clean water initiative that reflects the Prep’s mission and commitment to environmental stewardship.

This summer, Jake brought his passion to the Howard Stainton Senior Center in Ocean City, where he led a workshop on the global clean water crisis affecting more than 2 billion people. He guided seniors in assembling high-volume water filters that will help provide safe, drinkable water for communities in need—both abroad and here in the United States.

“I’ve always felt a strong desire to help others, especially those who are underserved or in crisis,” Jake shared. “Water is a basic necessity. No one should go without it.”

Jake’s partnership with Wine to Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable water solutions, has already made a measurable impact. Each filter assembled during his event can provide clean water to 10 people for over a decade. The experience, he said, is about more than just building filters—it’s about building connection, purpose, and hope.

In line with the Prep’s Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Initiative, Jake’s work highlights an innovative, low-waste alternative to bottled water in disaster zones. These filters are eco-friendly, portable, and long-lasting, offering both immediate relief and sustainable recovery in areas affected by natural disasters and infrastructure failure.

“It’s not just about donating,” Jake explained. “It’s about participating—taking time to understand the problem, learn the solution, and physically take part in helping others.”

His clean water efforts serve as a powerful reminder that true leadership begins with service. Jake’s journey reflects the Augustinian values of humility, community, and a restless pursuit of truth and justice. By channeling his convictions into action, he is demonstrating what it means to be a Hermit prepared to change the world.

📖 Read the full Sentinel article:

 https://ocnjsentinel.com/ocean-city-teen-brings-clean-water-solution-to-senior-center/