The May Student of the Month is Marissa D’Ambrosio, a Senior at Marple Newtown High School. Marissa received a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of Excellence in Service to her school, her peers and the community.
Not only is Marissa a straight-A student and a member of the National Honor Society, but she’s also the Flag Captain of the Marple Newtown High School Marching Band Color Guard. She wants people to know that the Marching Band Color Guard can be a fun extracurricular activity for kids who don’t play a musical instrument. Marissa takes great initiative in promoting, publicizing and recruiting for the Color Guard in every way she can, and would like to introduce it to middle school students so they can get started early.
However, the most notable thing about Marissa is that she is the Founder and President of the Marple Civic Youth (MCY) organization. In 2020, when the pandemic changed everything in the world and caused social isolation and lack of camaraderie, Marissa decided to do something about it for herself, her friends, fellow students and even students from lower grades. So she approached the Marple Civic Association (MCA) with the idea of creating a Youth Division, and the MCA was eager to be supportive. Marissa started MCY for grade 6–12 students who reside in Marple Newtown, as an outlet to get kids together in leadership roles and to provide milestone events that were missing due to the pandemic. Teens from different grades and schools are invited to participate, so everyone feels welcome and included.
Along with the volunteer opportunities that MCY has taken part in, including Kids Against Hunger, Austin’s Army events and the Domestic Abuse Project, what Marissa is most proud of is how much she and the other students in the group have grown in friendship, confidence, social skills, problem solving and life and leadership skills. She intends to remain active in MCY as Founding President while attending the University of Pittsburgh.
Marissa, your Marple Newtown Friends & Neighbors congratulate you on this award and for taking the negativity and isolation of the pandemic and creating something incredible for everyone involved. We wish you well in the years to come and in all your future plans!
Nominate the Next Student of the Month
Nominate the Next Student of the Month! Any grade 7–12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District may be nominated by a parent, teacher or other adult who submits in writing some ways the student demonstrates Excellence in Service to friendship, school or other local communities. Academic or athletic excellence is not required. Email your nomination to LJeffries@BestVersionMedia.com. The Winner will be featured in a future issue and will also receive a Certificate of Achievement.