We are excited to recognize Angel Amankwah of Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School and Jocelyn Coughlin of Worcester Technical High School as this month’s WooStars!
Below you can find more information about this month's honorees, and their contributions to Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action.
For a full list of recent WooStar selections, visit the WooStars Archives webpage.
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
This Month’s Student WooStar: Angel Amankwah, 8th Grade, Engaged Community Member at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School ⭐️
“As a representative on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and a Project 351 Ambassador, Angel consistently uses her voice to advocate for her peers and those in need. When she noticed students wanted a cheerleading squad, she took initiative, bringing together staff and students to make it a reality for the school. Angel is an organized and driven go-getter who leads with purpose. She is a shining example of student activism and kindness, fully embodying Sullivan Middle School’s core values of being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.”
This demonstrates that Angel is an Engaged Community Member, a key disposition to the Vision of a Learner framework. Angel can identify a need in their community, articulate, and communicate solutions, and develop an action plan (ECM 2).
This Month’s Staff WooStar: Jocelyn Coughlin, Science Department Head at Worcester Technical High School ⭐️
“During the blizzard that struck Worcester, Jocelyn stepped up to support the emergency shelter serving the city’s unhoused population by covering WTHS Site Administration shifts. While the role of Site Administration does not typically include shelter management, securing food, recruiting volunteers, collecting donations, conducting security checks, collecting weapons, or administering Narcan to assist those experiencing overdoses, withdrawal, or other medical emergencies, Jocelyn took on these responsibilities without hesitation when the need arose. She did not step forward for recognition or attention; she stepped forward because people needed help. Over the course of the emergency response, Jocelyn spent more than 65 hours on site, ensuring the shelter operated safely and that guests were cared for during an incredibly difficult time. Perhaps the most powerful measure of her impact came from one of the shelter’s guests, who told her, “You are the only person who has treated me like a human in a long time.” That single statement reflects the compassion, dignity, and humanity Jocelyn brought to her work. Her willingness to go beyond her role and treat every individual with respect exemplifies the very spirit of the Woo Star Awards. Jocelyn’s extraordinary dedication during this crisis makes her more than deserving of this recognition.”