"Congratulations to our finalists from New England for the New Balance Local Heroes Contest. Each finalist will receive a special gear kit from New Balance.
From those five finalists, we will announce one overall winner of the New Balance Local Hero contest from each of the five regions at the end of August. Each of the five finalists will recieve a prize pack from New Balance. The winner will receive an awards party at a local running shoe retailer and their XC team will be outfitted with free New Balance shoes!"
Hero description: Connor's desire to better understand his community, the world, and how he can impact it has blossomed in HS. Please find an overview of his efforts below: Teen Leader-CRS Food Fast,a 24-hour hunger awareness retreat Urban Encounter - a 36-hour urban immersion in Worcester MA Global Encounter – a six day rural immersion in Appalachia Stubenville East- a 3 day youth retreat in Kingston RI Kairos 4-day retreat focused on self, others & God - Cape Cod As he enters his final year of high school,he is excited to attend Stubenville East one last time, as well as, the SJ Leadership Institute – where over 4 days he & other incoming senior leaders will be assisted in developing the perceptions and skills necessary to lead the student body for the coming year, and to help hone his discernment and decision-making skills as he enters a truly pivotal year in his life. Connor believes that this retreat will also better prepare him to lead his XC team as their captain this upcoming season.
In addition to being great kids, high honors students, and model teammates, Kacie and Kelly Higgins, freshmen twin sisters on our track team, took it upon themselves to make blue and gold "Marathon bracelets" for the victims of the Marathon bombings. They made hundreds of these rope bracelets, each taking about half an hour to make, sold them to teammates and friends, and raised $1000 for the One Fund Boston. The girls spent hours of their time, while friends were out doing whatever else they were doing, at home weaving these beautiful bracelets, and even got other teammates involved. At our first meet after the tragedy, the girls gave our opponent, Brookline's, 2 milers bracelets to show solidarity for the victims of the events. In what was a tragic day, it was nice to see such a spirit of volunteerism and empathy come from these wonderful young women.
Hero Description: Leanne Trischitta is a driven scholar athlete who trains intensily to be a part of a succesful high school cross country and track and field program at North Reading High School. Regardless of her accomplishments as an athlete and leader as Junior Captain on her team it is her endeavors outside of team requirements which make her standout as a hero. This was evident based on Leanne's desire to utilitize her knowledge of the sport to help others. She decided to organize her own road race in town in order to raise funds for three separate organizations. Her efforts resulted in over $3,000 raised. Below is the opening paragraph of a community service reflection essay she wrote about her efforts on this endeavor which provides a great overview of what makes her standout as a true hero in the sport of cross country and track and field. "Months ago, I was inspired to organize my own road race in North Reading, Massachusetts in which all profits would be donated to charitable organizations. I could not decide on just one organization, so I ended up deciding that I would donate to three organizations. The three organizations in which I split all of the profits included Angels Above, North Reading Food Pantry, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I chose Angels Above because my cousin who recently passed away has a fund under this organization. I wanted to raise money in memory of her. Also, I chose North Reading Food Pantry because I had volunteered their last semester and left the pantry wanting to help them as much as I could. Lastly, I chose Susan G. Komen because I figured that I would help another cancer organization because I already contribute to the American Cancer Society with my work through Relay For Life. Naming the run “Strides for Change”, I wanted to help people, and it was even better that I could do it in a way that combined two things that I like to do (organize and run)."
Peter Doane Cape Elizabeth, ME
Hero Description: Peter is a hero because he volunteers his time on the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department. In this day and age where there are some many things for kids to do Peter has chosen to give his time back to his community. He takes his work with the fire department very seriously, and has learned to balance his volunteer work and sports. His work with the fire department has helped him during cross-country as well. It has made him more focused and a better leader. As one of the captains of our state championship team last fall, he provided excellent leadership to his teammates. His goodwill has rubbed off on his teammates as well. Peter has recruited another teammate to volunteer his time with the fire department this past year, as well as others in the school. There is no question that Peter is a hero to his community and teammates.
Matthew Fischetti Phillips Academy Andover, Ma
Hero Description: I feel Matt deserves to be recognized as a Local Hero because he answers the call to serve both his local and global communities.At Phillips Andover, he participates actively in his church group and at service events. Several weekends each month, Matt takes the time help out at fundraisers for local charities, or at one of three meal centers in the Lawrence, MA area. Matt also makes an impact beyond his immediate community. He is involved with an organization at his school called STAND Against Genocide, a student-run organization established to raise awareness about genocide, particularly in Darfur, Sudan. He is a board member of the group Darfur Dreams (http://www.darfurdreamteam.org/AdvisoryBoard). Matt helps put on fundraisers for the sister school that Phillips Academy is connected with. The money raised goes to fund schools for the refugees of the genocide in Darfur. Matt strives to make a difference for those in unfortunate circumstances locally and across the globe.