Athol's Own Sara Leopaldi Awarded Prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship

Sara Leopaldi, from Athol, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of educational institutions promoting public engagement in higher education. This fellowship recognizes students with strong leadership potential and a dedication to positive community change. Leopaldi is one of 142 students chosen from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico for their outstanding civic involvement.

Named after Frank Newman, a co-founder of Campus Compact, the Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year program designed to develop future leaders by offering learning and networking opportunities. Fellows are nominated by their campus president or chancellor, acknowledging their personal achievements and community involvement.

Leopaldi was motivated to join the fellowship due to her experiences with a family member who has Autism and is non-verbal. She studies Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC). Besides her studies, she leads the Child Watch program at MWCC, managing volunteers and aiding parenting students.

In addition to her administrative roles, Leopaldi has connected the college with important community resources. She has helped bring parenting workshops, initially created by 'Valuing Our Children,' to the campus. Her efforts have improved the educational setting and supported a community for parenting students.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.