NSCC Student Lovasco 1 of '29 Who Shine'

Nicholas Lovasco, a 2010 Danvers High grad, was honored Thursday at the State House for his "outstanding academic and civic achievements" while a student at North Shore Community College.

Gov. Deval Patrick recognized 29 students from public colleges and universities at the State House with the presentation of the third annual 29 Who Shine Awards.

"Each one of these students has a remarkable story to tell," said Patrick. "Collectively, they remind us that investing in them is investing in our future.”

Each institution selected its own student honoree for the award based on criteria established by the Mass. Department of Higher Education. Students needed to demonstrate a strong academic record, made a contribution to the civic well-being of Massachusetts and be a resident who intends to remain in the state upon graduation.

A press release from NSCC says Lovasco was chosen to represent the school because of his success in a broad scope of activities, including being an honors student in a Liberal Studies program with a "near-perfect" GPA , the Student Government Association President and a Student Trustee, volunteering with many outreach and charitable projects and even performing with his own band.

He received the Senator Frederick E. Berry scholarship, which turned into a summer internship with the former Senate Majority Leader and due to high praise there, was chosen to intern with Gov. Patrick's Community Affairs office, helping coordinate the governor's Youth Council among other things.

“Nick has shown himself to be a born leader, as well as a positive team player, who excels at bringingout the best in others,” said NSCC President Wayne M. Burton. “Nick shows exceptional promise. His integrity, vigor, and passion for excellence are unmatched. His concern for fairness and equity willundoubtedly have a life-changing impact for many as he pursues future employment.”

Lovasco finishes out his time at NSCC this May, when he will serve as the Student Commencement Speaker. He currently lives in Salem and plans to attend Salem State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with the goal of a career in community development or law, says NSCC.

NSCC faculty member Lawrence Harvard Davis, Ph.D., who chairs the Department of History, Government & Economics at the college, was also recognized Thursday along with 28 other mentors of the students. 

“These 29 students represent the best the Commonwealth has to offer,” said Secretary of Education Matthew Malone. “By making a commitment to their education and to the communities where they live these students make Massachusetts a better place to live now and will certainly help strengthen the economic future of all our cities and towns.”

A press release says this year’s honorees include five students who created nonprofit organizations and/or small businesses in their local communities, and one student who hopes to market computer inventions for which he holds patents.

One-third of the students will graduate with degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), health care and finance sectors and an additional third of the group are adult students, 25 or older. Four are parents.