At the 22nd Annual John P. Garrahan MetroWest Community Prayer Breakfast earlier this month, Sierra Rother ‘15 was one of thirteen local high school students honored with the John P. Garrahan Leadership in Diversity Award by the Alliance for MetroWest Unity. Each was recognized for fostering “greater communication and harmony in school communities” and promoting “understanding between people of diverse backgrounds.”
The Alliance for MetroWest Unity organizes the annual event and strives, as their mission states, “To bring together all groups within the MetroWest region to celebrate our diversity and to increase our understanding of the community in which we all live.” John Garrahan, the breakfast’s namesake, was a local attorney who was active in town government and community programs until his death in 2003 at age 75. Garrahan started the awards to publicize the work of local student leaders. Students who receive the Leadership in Diversity Award are eligible for tuition scholarships at Framingham State College, and they receive plaques and citations from state lawmakers.
A Fifth Former from Northampton, MA, Sierra has been active in both the St. Mark’s SHADES (Students Heightening Awareness of Diversity, Equality, and Service) and AWAKE (Anti-racist Whites Advocating Knowledge and Equity) affinity groups. She has taken a real leadership role in the latter SM Affinity Group this past year, and during the summers she works with a Boston-based youth organization committed to issues of community and equity.
Sierra received her award during the May 2nd ceremony at the Sheraton in Framingham. St. Mark’s Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life Stacey Lee accompanied her to the breakfast event.