$5000 Northern Light Health
2024 Hampden High School
“I strive to give those around me the courage and positivity to be the best version of themselves.”
Those who know Lauren say her resilience and determination have taught her how to go about overcoming challenges. She uses her own experiences, including struggles with eating disorders and panic attacks, and her innate empathy, to help others. Her impact is wide. She recognizes when others need support, is the first to get involved, and is able to speak up for herself, as well.
Seen as a natural leader even as a 10th grader, Lauren was recruited to be the manager of 80-100 students in a Summer Program at the local Northern Light Hospital. Lauren would talk to anybody entering the hospital and was featured in a hospital marketing program because of her extraordinary leadership. Described as the “glue” of the program, Lauren went out of her way to bond with other volunteers as well as with patients.
The hospital program required intense commitment and Lauren thrived in every role. Over time she developed a passion to make the hospital better than when she arrived. After she successfully pitched an idea to the hospital President and Board of Directors, the hospital now has a brightly painted, welcoming warm place for incoming patients, including age-appropriate kits for patients, a chalk board wall, and reading area. Lauren’s work has set the model going forward. Her work also led to 10 community summits specifically for mental health in the community. An impressed hospital President determined that the program would continue long after Lauren has moved on.
Lauren plans to attend St. Joseph’s College.