Maria Brango is a dynamic student leader at QCC; involved with many service-based endeavors, both on and off campus. As part of an Academic Service-Learning project in an English course, Maria helped the school newspaper with their editing needs. Not only did Maria receive high praise for her efforts, she has also remained on the editorial staff, contributing her time and talents to help prepare the paper for publication. Off campus Maria is the President of the Newman Club, working on multiple service projects, including the development of an off campus food pantry to help feed needy QCC students. Maria's concern for her community dates back to her early years, when she recognized the need for tutors to help local ESL students with their homework. At the age of 15, she developed a tutoring program in her community. Maria exemplifies those qualities we hope to see in our students. She is a wonderful communicator, and hopes to continue on to a baccalaureate program in broadcast journalism. It is clear that Maria has excellent leadership skills, is civically committed, and will thrive within a community of students working together to solve societal issues.