AmeriCorps Cape Cod Year 25 Graduation Ceremony
Yesterday, AmeriCorps Cape Cod celebrated the graduation of 18 remarkable members from Year 25. The event also honored two exceptional service partners and recognized two lifetime service partner awardees.
The ceremony began with welcome remarks, followed by an inspiring keynote address from Josh Wrigley, Town of Sandwich Conservation Agent. We then acknowledged significant contributions to the AmeriCorps program with Service Partner Awards given to Nina Coleman, Town of Barnstable Director of Natural Resources, as the Upper Cape Service Partner of the Year, and Amy Usowski, Town of Harwich Conservation Agent, as the Outer Cape Service Partner of the Year. Lifetime Service Partner Awards were presented to Lauren McKean, National Seashore Park Planner (retiring on 7/31/24), and Larry Dapsis, Retired County Entomologist, for their exceptional service.
Member speakers, including Hannah VanDivier, Danny Ecsedy, Jenn Clifford, and Sam O’Neill, shared their heartfelt reflections and experiences from their year of service. Grace Vachon received the Darlene Johnson Morris Award for her exceptional contributions. Following these presentations, the graduating members received their certificates, marking the culmination of their year-long journey. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, and attendees enjoyed light refreshments, providing an opportunity for networking and celebration.
Hannah VanDivier, a member from Texas and who lived in the Barnstable House, shared an inspiring poem attributed to an unknown monk, circa 1300 AD:
“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”
Throughout the year, Year 25 AmeriCorps Cape Cod members have made an indelible mark on the Cape Cod community. They have tirelessly created trails, participated in an epic dolphin rescue, worked with aquaculture, assisted with tick collection for research, removed invasive species, and participated in educational events for children, and much more. Throughout their 11-month long journey, members have bonded, collaborated, and worked tirelessly as a team.
Congratulations to AmeriCorps Cape Cod Year 25! View the collection of photos from the last 11 months taken by Merrily Cassidy at the Cape Cod Times by visiting this link. This gallery showcases the activities and achievements of AmeriCorps Cape Cod over the past year, highlighting their positive impact on the community.
