Nine standout Northern Essex Community College students were honored with Knight’s Quest Awards for their hard work during the fall semester. The awards recognize students who showed exceptional commitment to their education.

“Some students give a lot to NECC through engagement with clubs or governance,” says Professor Meredith Gunning, who coordinated the awards. “Yet others act as collaborators with their peers in the classroom or move beyond various challenges during their schooling, showing courage and creative ways of continuing their education.”

Professor Trish Schade with Knight’s Quest Award winner Star Sapphire

Students were nominated by faculty and staff. Of the nine recipients, General Studies: Health Specialization student Star Sapphire was chosen for the grand prize of a $25 gift card.

English Professor Trish Schade nominated Star, writing: “Star is an amazing leader in my class. She has never missed a class, and during each class, she is always helping others, including me… She personifies the commitment it takes to be a student, work many hours, support herself, and achieve her goals.”

The Knight’s Quest Award is new this semester. Professor Gunning says, that prior to Covid, there used to be a student of the month award. The Student Affairs Committee of the All College Assembly wanted to start recognizing students again and decided to try out a new semester format. They were thrilled to receive nine nominations.

“Reading some of the recommendations by faculty and staff was really inspiring. We have great students; it is good to be able to recognize some of them,” she says.

Additional Knight’s Quest Winners: 

Lemuel DelValle, nominated by academic advisor Esther Peralta
“Lemuel is a student that has been engaged in our PACE program from day one. On top of the fact that he is a full-time student, he plays a sport at NECC (track), and has a part-time job, he has always taken time out of his busy schedule to participate and engage with other students in PACE. He brings students in to sign up for the program and help others in the program. He is always responsible, especially with his classwork.”

Andrea Wall-Sanchez, nominated by SOAR Assistant Director Martha Mazeika
“Many students know Andrea and she is always helpful and ready to answer questions. I want to nominate Andrea because she represents what a student goes through to be successful and has shown resilience in moving forward in her academic journey even though she has had setbacks. She is also a kind, caring person.”

Elijah Antunes, nominated by SOAR Assistant Director Dermot Luddy
“Elijah is a great student on campus. But beyond his work in the classroom, he is an amazing ambassador for the college. He turns up at events. He leads prospective students around. He educates his peers on the role of student government.”

July Frenandez, nominated by SOAR Administrator Eudania Aquino
“She has really pushed herself this semester aside of her being SO nervous. I am very proud of her.”

Emma Ruggiero, nominated by PACE Transfer Advisor Jessica Rocker
“Emma has worked hard to establish herself here at NECC and is making the most of her education. Emma’s involvement at school is substantial. She has held the position of Vice President of the NECC Best Buddies Club, which fosters one-to-one friendships between individuals in the community with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and students without IDDs. In addition to this leadership role, she serves as a peer mentor, providing guidance and support to fellow students. Emma helped reinstate the women’s basketball team after its absence here at NECC.”

Robert Suriel, nominated by Academic and Transfer Advisor, SOAR Program Jordan Ellis
“Robert’s conscientious nature inspires our students, and he demonstrates selflessness by sharing his knowledge with others. When he is not solving complex math problems on our whiteboard, I often see him leading homework sessions with some classmates. Robert’s infectious energy radiates throughout our program’s space, facilitating great dialogue among our students. I credit Robert’s presence to the increased presence in our space.”

Martha Cortes, nominated by Human Services Professors Lisa Fabbri Lopez, Brian MacKenna Rice
“It has been a pleasure watching Martha’s growth as a Human Services Professional. She has been working hard on her studies at NECC since 2012. Her heart was geared for this work. She has blossomed into an amazing, hard-working advocate for those that she serves.  In the spring of 2024, she started her first of 2 required practicums at Work Opportunities Unlimited.  They too saw her sincere passion and immediately offered her a job.  She is currently still employed there completing Practicum 2.”‘

Rick Roche, nominated by SOAR Program Case Manager Faniel Adames
Rick is always a source of positivity and support. He actively engages with students, making sure that nobody feels left out in the space. Just from hearing him talk to other students, you can tell he cares about his community and wants to be a positive influence. Rick Roche embodies exactly what a Knight should be in our community and should be recognized for it.”

For more information on the Knight’s Quest Award, and to nominate at student, contact Gunning at mgunning@necc.mass.edu.