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Recognized Luke Leaders
Every cent donated helps us give scholarships to future leaders like these students below!
Luke Leaders Recipient 2019
Liam McDermott
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
2nd year at University of Colorado Boulder
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
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Works as a lifeguard at East Boulder Community Center
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Member of Alpha Company of the Golden Buffalo Battalion, Army ROTC at the University of Colorado Boulder
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Enjoys skiing and hiking in his free time
Luke Leaders Recipient 2019
Jane Vongvirath
Graduate of Putnam High School
2nd year at Worcester State University
Majoring in Nursing
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Member of the Student Nurses Association, where they do fundraisers for the community and support nursing students at Worcester State.
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Works as a waitress at the Thai Place in Putnam, CT
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“My favorite part of [school] this year so far has been lab days, where we get to practice nursing skills on mannequins, and have learned how to take vital signs, give injections, insert a foley catheter, and many more exciting things!”
Luke Leaders Recipient 2018
Anna Murphy
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
2nd year at Elon University
Majoring in Business Management, Minor in Non-Profit Studies
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"Scholarships helped me purchase textbooks and contributed to the cost of travel to Sorrento, Italy, where I studied at the Sant' Anna
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Currently working in the Advancement Office to help raise money for scholarships
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Volunteers weekly at Newlin Elementary, a Title 1 school in Burlington, NC.
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"The life experiences these students have to struggle with at only 8 years old surmounts most of what I have dealt with in my lifetime."
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"I hope to impact their lives and inspire them to attain a higher education. That starts now, with a caring show and caring people."
Luke Leaders Recipient 2017
Jozzlynn Lewis
Graduate of Bay Path University
Received a B.A. in Legal Studies with a paralegal certificate
Member of LEX and Maroon Key honor societies
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Assistant Clerk of the Criminal Division at the Alfred Superior Courthouse
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Volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem in court
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“I am a proud mother of a wonderful two year old daughter, Sofia.”
Luke Leaders Recipient 2017
Collin Singleton
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
3rd year at Boston University
Majoring in Biomedical Engineering
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At Woodstock Academy founded a chapter of Sparrow, to aid medically challenged students with financial and emotional support
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Works at Unified (Special Needs) Sports Program
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Member of All Abilities Alliance
Luke Leaders Recipient 2016
Bruce Sakindi
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
2nd year at Loyola Chicago University
Majoring in Political Science and Economics
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While at Woodstock Academy, began Grow Up Smart, an organization focused on educating needed children in his home country of Rwanda
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Distributed school materials (books, clothing, and livestock) to 15 schools in the Rulindo District of Rwanda
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"Collectively, we can make a change"
Luke Leaders Recipient 2015
Kara Singleton
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
Graduate of Central Connecticut State University
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"Always be kinder than you feel"
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Started the All Abilities Alliance at Woodstock Academy to help break down barriers between people with and without disabilities
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"It is easy to be inclusive; sometimes people just need to see how easy"
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Passion for special education
Luke Leaders Recipient 2014
Brittany LaFleur
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
Graduate of Keene State College in 2018, studying elementary education and geography
1st grade teacher at Verplanck Elementary in Manchester, CT
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A student leader committed to equal and adequate education for all children
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While at Woodstock Academy, developed a project called "365 Days of Kindness"
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"I will 'pay it forward' to at least one person every day"
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Participated in a year of service called the “Urban Education Program” while also teaching full time as a first year teacher in 2018-2019
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Recognized as a Newman Civic Fellow during senior year of college
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Named Teacher of the Month for November 2020 at Verplanck Elementary
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Very active in church community both regional and local
Luke Leaders Recipient 2012
Elena Mercier
Graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University
Majored in Communications, Music and Theater
Graduate of Boston University School of Social Work
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Theater Teacher and Choreographer
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Opened and runs a children theater in her hometown of Canterbury, Connecticut
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Passion for arts as a therapeutic tool for children
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Holds an LMSW and works as the Social Emotional Learning Coordinator at Stafford Elementary School in Bristol, CT
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“I am fortunate that I am able to pursue my passion of working with young people in my current position.”
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“When the pandemic is over I hope to start an after school theatre program in Bristol similar to the one I ran at schools in northeastern CT.”
Luke Leaders Recipient 2011
Andrea Plucenik
Graduate of University of Connecticut, Masters from Boston College
Majored in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with minor in Sign Language
Masters Program focused on Curriculum and Instructional Development, Special Education
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Played on University of Connecticut soccer squad for 5 seasons
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Volunteer coach for Unified Soccer, Spirit Squad, and Swimming
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Pursuing work as a Special Education Teacher (Severe disabilities and Autism)
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Teaching assistant (Special Education) at Boston College Campus School
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Actively engaged in Special Olympics
Luke Leaders Recipient 2010
Danielle Strandson
Graduate of Clark University
Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Social Change
Masters in Community Development and Planning
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Published a book, Layers of Life, which documents a historic building in Worcester, Massachusetts
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Started an organization at Clark University to work with refugees
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Served on the board of an innovative time bank in Portland, ME
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Lives in Worcester, MA where she works as a Social Media Manager for Clark University
Luke Leaders Recipient 2009
Mike Olm
Graduate of Woodstock Academy
Graduate of Springfield College
Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
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Prior to his service with the Center for Bone & Joint Care, he worked as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant for Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Keene, New Hampshire, focusing primarily in sports medicine. He is currently working as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant at The Center for Bone and Joint Care in Putnam.
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In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, bass fishing, and politics. He is an avid fan and part owner of the Green Bay Packers.
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