Jul 2, 2026 By Katherine Mansfield 4 min read

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a monthlong series of profiles of the people who live and work in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

At times, small-town life can feel stifling, but for Maddy Loughner, growing up in Waynesburg has ultimately been a blessing.

“I’ve always not liked how we’re so small,” said Loughner, who graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in May. “We don’t have that many things going on. But I also think that it helped me make so many connections with people.”

Connection is one of Loughner’s core values. The oldest of two, Loughner grew up in a tight-knit family that spent summers camping at Yogi Bear, surrounded by a group of friends who share her focus, drive, and call to service.

“I’ve been volunteering since I was young,” said Loughner, who spends a week every year in Milton, Pennsylvania, with her First Baptist Church of Waynesburg youth group. “I think more people should get into it and start helping communities around you. Because when you change one thing, it can change so many people’s lives, and I think that’s such a great thing. Even just a small change helps so much.”

It’s this heart of a servant that helps Loughner lead with compassion; during her senior year, she was selected captain of the girl’s soccer team, a sport she’s played for as long as she can remember.

Leading her teammates was particularly special, because “I’ve grown up with all the girls I’ve played with,” Loughner said.

While her friends and teammates played a role in her maturity, Loughner, who loves reading and music, was also inspired by her mother to pursue a degree in early childhood education. She starts classes at Indiana University of Pennsylvania this fall.

“My mom is also a teacher at Waynesburg Elementary. I’ve seen her do all that teaching stuff. I do the nursery for my church. I’m always around kids, and I knew it’s something I’m good at, so I might as well pursue it,” she said.

This year marks the third summer Loughner has served as a counselor for the Greene County Department of Recreation day camp program, and she enjoys working and interacting with the kids. But Loughner’s noticed a trend: Kids these days spend a good deal of time looking at their phones.

“I got my first phone when I was 13-ish and I didn’t have, like, any social media until I was at least a freshman in high school, and I wish it was more like that now. Some of these kids at day camp, it’s like, they’re on their phone, they’re on social media. I’m like, just play, have fun, use your imagination,” she said. “I have so many memories of me and my friends just being outside and playing. It was just fun.”

Hanging out with friends is still one of Loughner’s favorite pastimes.

“We’ll go down to Morgantown – that’s another big thing, to just go down there,” she said. “I’m going (to IUP) with, actually, one of my friends, so I’m excited for that.”

Excited as she is for the next chapter of her life, Loughner is soaking up summer in Waynesburg, and still living in the surreal reality of having just graduated high school. She was one of about 120 students to walk at this year’s graduation, she said.

“We did the cap toss,” Loughner recalled. “It was weird, because I’ve been excited to leave, but then it’s also like, I’m never seeing half of these people ever again. It’s a little strange to think about. But I’m excited to go somewhere new and see what happens. And I’m excited to get out of Waynesburg a little bit, too, get to try something new.”