Alisha Raby Cefalo
North Shore Community College
Alisha will graduate from North Shore Community College (NSCC) with an Associate's Degree in Environmental Horticulture in May, 2016. While she has excelled academically as a Phi Theta Kappa Honor student, she is most well known for her engagement and leadership by aligning herself with a social and environmental advocacy group on campus and bringing it new found energy. Alisha turned these experiences into being a voice for sustainability and the environment both on and off campus. Alisha created a following among students which led to her being elected as a Senator for Student Government. In this capacity, among other things, she has served as a moderator for a Town Hall Meeting and initiated practical solutions to provide her constituents with more affordable text books. In the wider community, Alisha works earnestly to protect Lynn's water resources and green spaces, inspiring others to join her in her efforts. She values her time community organizing which includes participating in spoken word at a local café and campaigning for necessary change. Alisha plans to continue her education with a focus on how to diminish human impact on our environment. With her background, tenacity, and commitment, she will make a tremendously positive impact on our world.
Personal Statement
Amy Poehler's character Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation inspires me. Her tenacity and heart in the face of stifling bureaucracy cannot be overstated. The transformative energy that has overcome me is the progressive conviction of We the People. Through sustainability, compassion, communication, legislation, and hard work, we as one, unsegregated, human species have begun an energetic evolution.
Nomination for this award is an honor, and I accept it on behalf of all who ache for awakening and those who feel alone; those left out and left behind. I accept it in the name of idealism, and in the name of change. I accept this award, and in exchange, I commit my lifelong passion to making life better for all, from the microcosm to the macrocosm. In summation, Ms.Knope once said, "Not to say that public service isn't sexy because it definitely is, but that's not why we do it. We do it because we get the chance to work hard at work worth doing, alongside a team of people you love. So I thank those people who've walked with me, and I thank you for this honor. Now, go find your team and get to work."
