Medfield Girl Honored By DA's Office For Bravery And Leadership

MEDFIELD, MA — A Medfield student was honored by the Norfolk County District Attorney's office for having the bravery to succeed with less than fortunate circumstances. Medfield High School senior Marianna Apazidis was this year's recipient of the "Sam Berns Courage in Leadership Award."

The award is named after Sam Berns, a Foxborough boy who lived with Progeria, a rare genetic disorder and continued to have a positive outlook. Berns went on to star in an HBO Documentary "Life According to Sam" and had is own Tedx Talk "My Philosophy for a Happy Life." Berns' parents presented Apazidis with the award during the Peer Leadership Conference at Gillette Stadium Nov. 26.

English teacher Bonnie Wren-Burgess nominated Apazidis for the award because she's continued to excel in and outside the classroom despite facing a difficult childhood. At a young age, Apazidis stepped in as the primary caretaker for her family, helping her younger brothers deal with these challenges as well.

While taking care of her brother, Apazidis was named to the school's National Honor Society, leads the cello section in the school's orchestra, dances and mentors and tutors students in dance at the studio. Wren-Burgess said she does all of this with "outstanding work ethic, perseverance and leadership qualities, and her naturally warm and welcoming personality."

"Marianna exemplifies the best of what we are trying to hone here at Medfield High School," Wren-Burgess said. "She is the kind of hard-working, well-rounded and high-achieving student who is courageous enough to succeed despite years of challenges. Despite everything she has been through, she competently, intelligently and kindly leads her family and her peers."

Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden congratulated Apazidis for the award and said it was a wonderful achievement.

"This award is a testament to Marianna's perseverance and courage in the face of challenging times, which embodies the admirable example set by Sam Berns," Marsden said.