Haverhill, MA (February 13, 2025) – Northern Essex Community College is proud to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to the college and its students with the third annual Impact Awards. The following five outstanding community members will be honored at a breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, at 8:30 am on the Haverhill Campus. Learn more about tickets and sponsorship opportunities by contacting Allison Dolan-Wilson or visiting the webpage.

Community Partner Award

This award honors an individual, group, or organization who, through their support, has made a lasting impact on Northern Essex. As first-generation Ecuadorian Americans, Luis and Juan Yepez understand the transformative power of education firsthand. Mainstream Global’s founders and chief executives support Northern Essex and its students through financial support, mentorship, and guidance. Their contributions have especially impacted Lawrence students through the NECC Lawrence Promise program, where students can receive full scholarships to NECC after completing the Early College program.

The Outstanding Alumni Award

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/a who has achieved career-related success, is active in the community, and/or has exemplified active support for the college’s efforts. Methuen Chief of Police Scott J. McNamara earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice at NECC in 1991. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Salem State College and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell. His law enforcement career began in 1996 in Lawrence. He quickly rose through the ranks and in 2021 was chosen as the new Chief of Police in Methuen. Chief McNamara has shown, throughout his career, a dedication to building positive relationships between police and community members and developing community partnerships.

Philanthropy & Volunteerism

This award is given to a member of the Northern Essex community who has demonstrated commitment to NECC through financial support, volunteering, and leadership. Northern Essex is proud to give this year’s award to Haverhill business leader, Sally L. Cerasuolo-O’Rorke, founder and president of Gold Leaf Fine Jewelry.  Cerasuolo-O’Rorke has been the recipient of numerous awards for her community service. She served as president of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and volunteered with many area organizations including the American Red Cross, the United Way, Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board, Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council, Girls, Inc., and the Boys & Girls Club of Haverhill. Cerasuolo-O’Rorke has also served on the Northern Essex Board of Trustees since 2015. Her second and final term will conclude this year. Throughout all her endeavors, Cerasuolo-O’Rorke has served as a vital connection between NECC and Merrimack Valley communities and worked to strengthen partnerships and develop opportunities.

Public Service & Advocacy

The Public Service and Advocacy Award honors an individual who has greatly impacted the lives of Northern Essex students through public service or advocacy. This year’s awardee, State Senator Barry Finegold, has always understood the importance of education: his mother was a teacher in the Andover Public Schools and his father taught at Northern Essex. Senator Finegold has made advocating for education a pillar of his three-decade career in public service. In his current role representing the Second Essex and Middlesex District in the Massachusetts Senate, he’s been a key supporter of many initiatives to increase access to higher education including MassReconnect, MassEducate, and Tuition Equity.

Equity and Social Justice Award

This award recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that have impacted the NECC community through values such as a commitment to equity, diversity, and the advancement of human rights and social justice. Derek Mitchell is the founder and president of the LEADS (Leaders Engaged and Activated to Drive System-wide change) Program. The leadership program provides executive training and development to community members in the Merrimack Valley, creating meaningful and productive connections and collaborations. LEADS was first developed when Mitchell served as executive director of the Lawrence Partnership.

To learn more about the Impact Awards and past recipients, visit the webpage.