On Tuesday, October 8th, Rippowam Cisqua School alumna Amanda North '71 returned to the Upper Campus to share her remarkable story with students in grades 5 - 9 at an assembly. During the assembly, the School honored her by presenting her with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Amanda's story began on April 15, 2013, when she was at the Boston Marathon to support her daughter, who was running the race. That day, Amanda also helped to save a life. She was standing near the finish line, waiting for her daughter, when the bombs went off. Fellow spectator Erika Brannock was standing near Amanda, and Erika suffered a significant injury as a result of the explosions. Amanda was also injured but, in the aftermath of the explosions, she focused her energy on helping Erika, whose injuries were more severe.
Erika was the final Boston Marathon patient to be released from the hospital. Following her release, Erika was determined to find Amanda. With the help of CNN, the two women were able to meet, and CNN captured their emotional reunion. You can click here to read an article and watch a video from CNN.
With this newfound appreciation for life, and desire to make a positive difference, Amanda recently launched a new social venture called Artisan Connect. The purpose of Artisan Connect is to help sustain artisans in developing countries by giving them better market access through an online marketplace and by celebrating their work through storytelling and social media.
Amanda shared her story with students and teachers on the Upper Campus, and the message that she delivered was powerful and inspiring.
"The words that you say have the power to hurt people or the power to help people," she told the students. "Things happen very quickly in life. We know that change happens... and you all have the power and the ability to be a hero. Do something good for someone today. It can make a big difference."
Following her remarks, Christopher Wirth '94, Chair of the RCS Alumni Association Board, took the stage and presented Amanda with two wonderful surprises. First, Amanda was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding achievement and service to others. Amanda is the fourth alum to receive this award, which was last presented to Whitney Johnson '99 during the 2012-2013 school year. Previous recipients include Ambassador Nicholas Platt '50 and Roger Vincent '59.
After presenting her with the award, Christopher shared a brief surprise video message from Erika. In the video message, Erika thanked Amanda for her courage, support, and friendship, and she congratulated Amanda on receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award.
A question and answer session with the students followed the video and award presentations. Following the assembly, several alumni, parents of alumni, friends, and faculty and staff joined Amanda for a luncheon reception in the Upper Campus library.
Rippowam Cisqua School salutes Amanda North for her great work, and congratulates her on receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award—a well-deserved honor indeed.
