NECC Student Receives National Civic Fellowship
Jonah Adamsky of South Hampton, NH, formerly of Andover, has been named Northern Essex Community College’s first ever Newman Civic Fellow for his dedication to under-served populations and seeking social justice for all.
The 22-year-old psychology major was nominated by NECC President Lane Glenn who wrote of Adamsky, “Jonah has a passion for serving others, giving back to his community, and creating a more just society… faculty members describe him as hard working, conscientious, highly intelligent, and strongly motivated. They also describe his strong compassion for his peers, volunteering to assist a student with a learning accommodation and during group work always making “sure no one got left behind.”
With a 3.92 GPA, Adamsky, who for the last five years has worked in childcare hopes to continue his work with children.
“Jonah has a strong sense of justice, especially when it comes to children… He has a compelling desire to create equal opportunity for all children,” wrote Glenn.
Adamsky is treasurer of NECC’s Community Outreach Group, a student club dedicated to community service. In addition, he is an active member of the Gender Sexuality Alliance, a student club that advocates and educates on issues important to NECC’s LGBTQ+ community.
The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. The fellowship, named for Campus Compact founder Frank Newman, provides training and resources that nurture students’ assets and passions to help them develop strategies to achieve social change. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides learning opportunities in person and online that focus on the skills fellows need in order to serve as effective agents of change in addressing public problems and building equitable communities.
In his personal statement Adamsky wrote, “From a young age, I have been concerned for others, particularly those who are in some way disadvantaged, or are LGBTQ+. “
Adamsky has spent time volunteering at Ruth’s House in Haverhill and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lawrence, which, he explains, helps give local communities access to the clothing and housing they need.
“…I hope to work with an organization that helps either disadvantaged or LGBTQ+ children. I am passionate about making sure all children are allowed equal opportunity to thrive,” he wrote.
Adamsky plans to graduate from NECC in December of 2019 with a liberal arts: psychology degree and transfer to University of New Hampshire.
NECC Professor Meredith Gunning recommended Adamsky for the Fellowship. She will serve as his mentor next year.