Newton Resident Receives Patriots Difference Maker Award

NEWTON, MA — MassBay Community College liberal arts student and Newton resident Nathan Persampieri has been has been recognized by the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation with the "Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award."

Persampieri received the award based on his commitment to and volunteerism with the local nonprofit organization Understanding Out Differences, a nationally recognized program that uses a hands-on, participatory curriculum to foster respect, acceptance, and inclusion for people of all abilities.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Persampieri in a statement. “I would like to thank Understanding Our Differences and the New England Patriots for recognizing my efforts. Building awareness of people’s differences and creating an inclusive community is important and vital work in which I’m proud to take part.”

Persampieri started volunteering with Understanding Our Differences in 2017 when he was a student at Newton North High School. Since then, he has become an advocate, ambassador, speaker, volunteer, and part of the advisory board that meets with city leaders to raise the profile of people with disabilities and encourage the creation of inclusive programs.

"We are excited to once again recognize local volunteers with our Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award," said Josh Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Foundation, in a statement. "Each of these honorees has their own unique story of community service and we are proud to shine a light on the tremendous work they are doing. We would like to thank all of this year's Patriots Difference Makers for helping to build stronger New England communities."

Throughout the 2021 season, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will recognize 17 local volunteers with the "Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award." As part of this recognition, the foundation will present a $5,000 donation to the nonprofit organization represented by each honoree. The volunteers will also participate in a special year-end celebration and receive a pair of tickets to attend the Patriots final regular-season home game.

This marks the 11th season that the Kraft family and the Patriots Foundation have presented their Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award to volunteers from all across New England. Since its inception, 150 individuals have received the award and more than $675,000 has been donated to local nonprofit organizations.