Weymouth Teen Honored at True Heroes of Sport Awards Gala
By Ally Peebles
(1-30-09) One of Sport in Society�s most precious honors given at the 14th annual True Heroes in Sport Gala was the Kevin Fitzgerald Giving Back Award. This year�s award was presented to, Weymouth High School senior, Jessica Murray for her tireless work preventing gender violence among her peers and her community.
The award focuses on youth that share the share values that Sport in Society�s Kevin Fitzgerald, the award�s namesake, held dear. Kevin strongly believed that children�s development, self-esteem and values are improved by the introduction of physical activity and healthy development opportunities. He worked tirelessly for children who are underserved because in his own words �they are the City�s children, the City�s future and they deserve every advantage that the City can offer them�. He felt every child deserved equal access to activities that would keep them active, safe, engaged, and healthy.
In response to receiving the award Jessica said, �Oh, it was crazy.� She said she felt strange being praised for something that felt so natural to her. Jessica said she finds satisfaction by doing something for the world.
This accomplished 17 year old describes herself as �very talkative, creative, and caring� all key ingredients in her community activism. During her stint with the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program, Jessica was inspired to continue the open dialogue about gender violence without judgments among her peers and larger community.
Dave Hoffman, Sport in Society outreach specialist for MVP, said, �Jess�s drive and commitment to the issues motivates me to continue my work and also serves as a driving force in her community.�
Jessica was nominated to participate in MVP by her school�s guidance counselor with whom she had a close relationship. Jessica explains, �My guidance counselor approached me and said, �here you can do this and I think you would love it.� And when I got in there, I didn�t want to leave.�
�Even though you are one person you can affect thousands; all because you�re making a different in that class of 30,� said Jessica. She has participated in the MVP program for more than two years.
Finishing her senior year, Jessica is still passionate about continuing her work advocating on behalf of others. She is currently looking at Keene State College in southwestern New Hampshire. She said one appealing aspect of Keene State is that it participates in the MVP program. Jessica wishes to teach health education or English to high school students. She described MVP as the inspiration she needed to realize her place in teaching.
