Student Feature Friday: Sophomore Sarah Nasif Winner of WMRC/Dean Bank High School Leadership Award

Left to Right: Kathy Larracey, School Counselor; John Clements, Principal; Kevin Goffe, President Dean Bank,
Award Winner Sarah Nasif; Tom McAuliffe, President WMRC, Mary Anne Moran, Associate Principal;
 Maureen Cohen, Director of Curriculum

On Thursday morning I was excited and thankful to welcome representatives from Dean Bank and WMRC to Nipmuc to present the Dean Bank/WMRC Radio High School Student Leadership Award to sophomore Sarah Nasif. It was an exciting opportunity to work with two community partners as we celebrate the fantastic work of our students. In addition to receiving the award, we had the chance to take part in a live radio broadcast that highlighted the many ways that Sarah excels as a student leader at Nipmuc. 

Sarah is a talented student, performer, and leader who has distinguished herself at Nipmuc in a variety of ways. She is a member of Nipmuc’s volleyball and lacrosse teams, a member of her class’s executive board, and Nipmuc’s Model UN club. In addition, she has been acting in Nipmuc’s Drama Guild since freshman year where she has starred in productions such as “Grease” and “Almost, Maine”.

Most recently, Sarah has taken on the challenge of increasing her capacity as a student leader by participating in the Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy. Supported by the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, the leadership academy provides students from across the valley the chance to attend workshops in order to develop their leadership capacity, design a community service project, and make a difference in the community. As a member of the BVYLA Class of 2016, Sarah has worked with students from other high schools to learn about the characteristics of a leader, how to manage diverse responsibilities, and how to market one’s achievements.

Through this program Sarah has organized a community service project to support the Upton Senior Center where she will be beautifying the gardens for our community's seniors. 

Q:  What are some leadership activities that you have participated in during your high school career?
A:  This year I was enrolled by one of my teachers into the Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy. I also was able to act as a leader for my younger teammates in this past volleyball season. Nipmuc's Model UN and my class's student executive board are school leadership opportunities that I have taken advantage of as well.

Sarah live on WMRC

Q: What has your experience with the BVYLA taught you about leadership?

A:  After participating in the BVYLA I've come to realize that the word "leader" does not follow a single definition; there are different types of leaders: quiet, loud, meticulous, careless, supportive, and overpowering. Of the many leader-types, each has their weaknesses and strengths. By being aware of these strengths and weaknesses, people can improve themselves in group settings.

Q:  Tell me about your community service project and what you hope to accomplish through this work.


Student Leadership Award

A:  I plan to rehabilitate the Upton Senior Center. I have contacted a carpenter in Upton who has agreed to be paid for work via GoFundMe. Along with interior improvements, I want to beautify the exterior with landscaping. Generous donations of perennial flowers, landscaping expertise, and volunteer work are all going to be part of a community service day. Many people who could greatly advantage from the Center's services are unaware of what the Center can offer or where it's located. I hope that this project will not only make the Senior Center more welcoming to the community, but will simultaneously promote the local businesses that contribute. As I have learned from the BVYLA, advertising and press releases are very important for business and volunteer events. If I promote my project enough, citizens of my town could learn more about the Center and the local businesses affiliated.

Q:  What other extracurricular activities have you been a part of during your high school career?
A:  I have been acting in Nipmuc's Drama Guild since the beginning of my freshman year. Lacrosse is my spring-season sport and I am currently on Yearbook Committee and Searching for Sunshine, a community service group.

Q:  What is your favorite subject?
A:  I gravitate towards anything science-related, especially chemistry.

Congratulations, Sarah. You can learn more about the award and listen to the interview by visiting WMRC's webpage here.