Jacqueline Raftery, of East Walpole, Recognized by Assumption College for Exemplary Service and Leadership

2017 May 15

On the eve of their commencement, Saturday, May 13, 20 members of Assumption College's Class of 2017, including Jacqueline Raftery, East Walpole, were honored with the College's prestigious Crown and Shield Award. The Award recognizes students who have distinguished themselves throughout their tenure at the College in the areas of leadership and community service. Award recipients have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and Assumption as a whole.

"A cornerstone of an Assumption College education is to encourage students to use their gifts in service to others in need," said Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., president of Assumption College. "During the last academic year, Assumption students selflessly volunteered more than 100,000 hours of their time serving those in the Worcester community and beyond, not because they had to, rather because of a desire to serve. This commitment to volunteerism and service reflects how Assumption students view themselves within, and the contributions they can make, to the larger community, specifically those in the greatest of need."

Crown and Shield recipients are nominated by faculty, staff and administration for their exemplary service and leadership. Raftery is a human services and rehabilitation studies major with a minor in psychology. During her time at Assumption, she was a Campus Ministry Core Team member; a liturgical minister; one of two student coordinators for the Horizon Retreat; volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters through the Reach Out Center; participated in three SEND service immersion trips, one of which she led; and founded the Ice Skating Club, serving as its captain since 2015. She also interned with the local nonprofit organizations WHY ME and Sherry's House, during which she was able to connect her passion for skating to her work with children who have life-limiting illnesses. One of Jackie's nominators said she is "well known at Assumption College as a person who brings joy to others." Another described her as "a passionate student leader who has a deep commitment to her faith, a genuine understanding of servant leadership, and a heart for service to others." After graduation, Jackie will be completing her Child Life Clinical Internship at Notre Dame Health Care in Worcester, MA, where she will work in the Pediatric Palliative Care program, in pursuit of becoming a child life specialist.