Joseph Shepherd, New College of Florida

Joseph Shepherd, in his second year at New College of Florida, coordinates volunteers for an after-school program that pairs college students with Title 1 students from Sarasota’s poorest neighborhoods. Through his work at Taylor Community Complex, Joseph organized and strengthened the College’s volunteer tutor corps, inspiring his fellow students to tutor on a regular basis and helping them deal with socio-economic issues. Joseph sees that college students have transportation to the center and makes sure the tutors are working effectively with the students. He is a highly experienced volunteer, who undertook service projects as a Boy Scoutand an Eagle Scout where he was recognized as an Eagle Mentor. He expects of himself what he expects of others and is constantly appreciative of his volunteers’ efforts. As a leader, he dedicates himself to serving those less advantaged and views education as a means of common discourse to break social boundaries. Joseph has created change and built capacity to meet the needs of marginalized students. As treasurer of a local Kiwanis Circle K International, he also organizes positive youth development projects in the Sarasota community. Now considering a career in teaching, he will be a powerful advocate for education.