Lana Viola (right) accepts the Outstanding Graduating Student Award from Alumni Board President Jouel Gomez ’15

The Northern Essex Community College Alumni Board has announced two high honors graduates, Lana Viola and caitlin little, both of Haverhill, as the 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Graduating Student Award. The annual honor, granted by the Board with approval from President Lane Glenn, was announced during the spring commencement on Saturday, May 17.

Viola is an engineering graduate and a participant of the NECC Promise Program, a scholarship program open to students who attend NECC in high school through Early College. A vocal advocate for college access initiatives, she has devoted much of her time at NECC to advocating for the expansion of early college programs across the commonwealth, going so far as to meet with donors and stakeholders to laud its benefits, and working with state lawmakers through the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.

Viola, who says she may not have continued her education were it not for Early College, feels that raising awareness is one small way she can ensure that this and other access programs continue to flourish in Massachusetts.

“Sharing my experiences and successes at various events, and returning to my high school to raise awareness about this incredible program has been truly rewarding. I am proud of my achievements in the Early College program as I help to contribute to its growth for future generations,” she says.

This summer, Viola will take part in a field engineering internship with SPS New England before continuing her studies at UMass Lowell, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

In a letter of recommendation, Promise Program Coordinator Emily Yunes lauded her achievements at NECC and beyond.

“She has been an incredible community member and represents some of the best qualities of Northern Essex. Lana loves learning, cares deeply about those around her, and always tries her hardest to achieve academic excellence, build community, and connect with others,” Yunes states.

caitlin little (left) accepts the Outstanding Student Award

little, a general studies: individualized option graduate who attended NECC through the MassReconnect Program, is a first-generation college attendee and an active participant in the college’s PACE Program. Through her full-time job as a nonprofit community engagement director, she has devoted much of her time outside of campus to promoting inclusive arts programming for youth across Haverhill, and recently launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a permanent arts mentoring program space. little currently serves as a member of the Haverhill Promise book buddy program, the Dover Arts Commission, and the Haverhill Cultural Council, and is the fundraising committee co-chair for Haverhill’s first-ever Pride Parade.

On receiving the Outstanding Graduating Student Award, little remarks that she is grateful for this rare opportunity to experience pride in herself.

“Immediately, I pictured myself walking in my cap and gown as Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ blasted through the speakers, the audience bursting into ecstatic fanfare,” she says. “I grew up facing tough circumstances, and pride was a privilege I didn’t often get to claim… I’m finally learning to make space to honor my successes, to honor myself.”

She adds that this award holds even greater meaning as she reflects on what it could represent to peers who have faced similar circumstances in life.

“I am the first in my family to attend college, and, having previously dropped out of high school, this journey holds even more meaning. I wanted to prove to myself, my family, and my ancestors that I could succeed — and to become a beacon of hope for others who have been systematically disadvantaged.”

This fall, little plans to attend Emerson College, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in writing, literature, and publishing.

In a letter of recommendation, PACE Transfer Advisor Jessica Rocker praised little’s ability to persevere.

“caitlin’s life story demonstrates her ability to not only overcome obstacles, but to crush them… The way that she was able to change her mindset and decide to push forward, even when faced with adversity, is truly inspiring.”

The annual Outstanding Graduating Student Award recognizes the accomplishments of a graduating NECC student who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic success, community service, and involvement with campus initiatives. Nominations are accepted each spring.