Danvers, MA - The Ninth Annual Champions Awards for North Shore Community College (NSCC) celebration was held the morning of Tuesday, April 14 at Danversport. Organized by The North Shore Community College Foundation, this event celebrates the people and organizations that elevate higher education opportunities and transform lives in our community.

This year, The Van Otterloo Family Foundation, AMTEP, and Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy Principal Heather Fabiano were honored with Champions Awards. In addition, NSCC alumna Alexandra Rodriguez ‘20 was honored with the NSCC Rising Champions Award. 

Celebrating Community Transformation 

Three Champions Awards

  • The Van Otterloo Family Foundation - In recognition of philanthropy and volunteerism, this award was presented by AAM15 Management, LLC. The Van Otterloo Family Foundation provided a grant that helped launch the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program at NSCC. MHFA trains students, faculty, and staff to recognize warning signs, respond confidently, and connect peers to critical resources. Over 400 faculty, staff, and students at NSCC are trained in mental health first aid.

From left to right: Laura Kurzrok, President NSCC Foundation; David Masse ' 84 AAM15 Management, Presenting Sponsor; Rose-Marie Van Otterloo, Champions Honoree on behalf of The Van Otterloo Family; Dr. William Heineman, President NSCC.

  • AMTEP - In recognition of community impact, this award was presented by Eastern Bank Foundation. This free program has trained over 700 adults in CNC machining, electromechanical assembly, and welding, and with an 85 percent job placement rate and 15 percent to 20 percent wage increases, it provides clear pathways to new careers for under- and unemployed people. AMTEP is a collaboration between many local partners: GE Aerospace Foundation, Essex County Community Foundation, MassHire North Shore, North Shore Community College, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, and E-Team Machinist Training Program.
    From left to right: Stratton Lloyd on behalf of Essex County Community Foundation (Honoree); Cindy Ciman on behalf of Eastern Bank Foundation, Presenting Sponsor; Dr. William Heineman, President, NSCC; Lorin Buksa, NSCC (Honoree); Charlie Anastos, Harmonic Drive (Honoree); Heidi Riccio, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School (Honoree); Ed O’Sullivan, MassHire North Shore; Kate O’Malley, MassHire North Shore (Honoree)

  • Heather Fabiano - In recognition of public service and advocacy, this award was presented by Joel, Mary, and Ben Abramson. In 2022, Heather Fabiano was appointed the inaugural principal of Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy (FDCA), the first official Early College high school in Massachusetts. Fabiano is a driving force behind FDCA's success, and under her leadership, the school has grown to 300 students. When the first graduating class graduates from FDCA this May, 100% will graduate with transferrable college credits, and 60% will earn their associate's degree and high school diploma simultaneously.

From left to right: Laura Kurzrok, President, NSCC Foundation; Nykell Strong, FDCA; Mariana De Leon Pinzon, FDCA; Joel and Mary Abramson, Presenting Sponsors; Heather Fabiano, Principal FDCA Honoree; Dr. William Heineman, President NSCC

NSCC Rising Champions Award

  • Alexandra Rodriguez ‘20 - The NSCC Rising Champions Award was presented by Solimine Funeral Homes in recognition of transformation and empowerment. At NSCC, she realized her potential and discovered a passion for advocacy that has driven her to achieve. After graduating from NSCC with her associate in legal administration, she transferred to Suffolk University and earned her bachelor's in law. Rodriguez is now a legislative aide for State Representative Dan Cahill, where she connects constituents to resources and supports policy development. 

From left to right:Dr. William Heineman, President, NSCC; Joel Solimine, Solimine Funeral Homes, Presenting Sponsor; Alexandra Rodriguez '20, Honoree

Proceeds from the event benefit Here to Help, providing students with support beyond tuition and fees to overcome challenges and complete their education goals. By supporting the transformative work happening every day at NSCC, anyone can become a champion for education.

Thank you to the event’s presenting sponsors: AAM15 Management, LLC; Eastern Bank Foundation; Solimine Funeral Homes; and the family of Joel, Mary, and Ben Abramson.

The North Shore Community College Foundation, Inc. is a separate, charitable partner to North Shore Community College. Our mission is to secure resources to improve, promote, and maintain access to high-quality education. Higher education is a catalyst and an agent of change for individuals, families, and communities. We envision a community that recognizes the importance of educational opportunities and ensures that positive outcomes are accessible to all, regardless of economic or other circumstances.

Image of campus

Ready to Begin?

Apply Info Connect