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Inspired by her mom, Magdelana “Maggie” Sorrentino dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was three years old. “She taught me that learning is the most meaningful part of life,” said the Class of 2023 graduate from Lee, Massachusetts. “I chose to follow her footsteps by attending �պ����� and becoming an elementary school teacher because I want to support and inspire children as they become lifelong learners.”

At Commencement, Sorrentino received the Mary Jean Simpson Award recognizing a �պ����� senior who best exemplifies the qualities of character, leadership, and scholarship. "Maggie believes that membership to the �պ����� community requires active participation in the construction of a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable society and has dedicated her leadership to this goal," said Provost Patty Prelock in announcing the award.

While earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor for dual certification in Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Sorrentino followed her passion to serve students who are multilingual, refugees, and New Americans. Her field experiences included practicums and internships working with students in different grade levels in five different schools across Chittenden County and Franklin County. She also completed an action research project exploring the connection between gross motor development and sensory input in the form of music in a child with Down Syndrome.

“My education at �պ����� has been transformative,” Sorrentino said. "Inspired and nourished by professors, peers, coursework, internships, research, and community service, I have become a changemaker, advocate, and lifelong learner. The opportunities I had to serve children throughout the greater Burlington area were extremely meaningful and impactful. Additionally, my involvement in the CESS Student Advisory Board and position as the CESS Student Director for Strategic Initiatives pushed me to be a better professional, advocate, and person."

From left to right: CESS Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Lynn White Cloud, Dean Katharine (Katie) Shepherd, and Maggie Sorrentino at �պ����� Commencement. (Photo: Mary Sorrentino)

Beyond the experiential learning built into her academic programs, she completed over 200 hours of community service in a variety of roles. She served as a volunteer coach for the Vermont Special Olympics Young Athlete's Program, as a volunteer teacher for the ESL (English as a Second Language) Club, and as a volunteer at the Fletcher Free Library developing a 10-week summer STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program for the Youth and Children's Library. She also served as the membership chair and volunteer coordinator for �պ����� Mortar Board Honor Society.

Sorrentino represented the College at admitted student visit days, orientations, Commencement celebrations, Board of Advisor meetings, as a member of the recent CESS Dean’s Search Committee, and on the Provost’s appointed �պ����� Diversity Group. She also led and collaborated with special working groups to diversify and create universal pedagogy, belonging events, holistic advising and well-being initiatives, high impact practices, and tactical planning.

Maggie Sorrentino and Sarah Bassett hold the CESS banner at an orientation event.

“Over the past four years, Lynn’s White Cloud's mentorship encouraged me to follow my ambitions, be a leader and an advocate, and embody the spirit of service, inclusion, and justice,” said Sorrentino. 

With help from a scholarship, her �պ����� journey will continue as a graduate student pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on literacy and reading. She will also compete as a student athlete on �պ�����’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams.

“I am so grateful for all of the support and guidance I received from my peers, professors, and my mentor teacher Melanie Dattilio. And I am proud to continue my education here at �պ�����.”

Photos by Kristy Dooley Photography and David Seaver Photography.