2014 Student of the Year honored

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — NMCC has named Jessica Lahey of Presque Isle as its 2014 Student of the Year.
Lahey, along with six other students from the Maine Community College campuses across the state, was honored April 23 at a ceremony in Augusta.
During the event, Dr. William Egeler, NMCC dean of students, shared what makes Lahey so exceptional.
“Jessica is not the most academically-gifted student, nor is she the most flamboyant student on campus. Jessica struggled, questioned herself, doubted her abilities and, at times, forgets to attend to her own needs,” said Egeler. “She is, however, like a soft breeze on a warm summer night, positively affecting everything she encounters. Her gentle giving nature has seen her respond to a variety of diverse needs across the campus and always with a warm and welcoming smile. When someone is in need, Jessica is there.”
Lahey joined NMCC as a nursing student in 2010 after spending the previous 10 years working as a sign language interpreter in the New Brunswick school system, while also employed as a respite caregiver working with special needs children. As a dual citizen, she learned about NMCC from a friend and decided to pursue a new career in nursing.
Her first year on campus was filled with academic success with invitations to become involved with campus organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Senate while continuing to work providing home health care and hospice care-giving services. Lahey now serves as president of the five-star chapter Phi Theta Kappa, as secretary of the campus Student Nurses Association, as a member of the Student Senate, as a representative to the campus student organization’s coordinating board and as a student representative on the college’s Foundation board of directors. After graduating this month, Lahey plans to continue her education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“This award makes me feel humbled and very honored. Being active on campus has given me all the recognition I need and I certainly didn’t expect an award,” said Lahey. “However, I am very thankful the college chose to honor my accomplishments in this way.”
By virtue of this recognition, Lahey will be the Class of 2014 graduation speaker during NMCC’s commencement at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at The Forum in Presque Isle.