Posted on Apr 18, 2011

Congratulations Emily Coles: 2011 Young Alumni of the Year

CONGRATULATIONS TO 2011 YOUNG ALUMNI OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER – EMILY FRANCES TODD COLES (’06)

Presented by STM Alumni Association Board Member Rob Foreman (’04)

A year ago, the STM Alumni Association was established. It’s comprised of STM graduates possessing strong leadership skills, a genuine passion for this high school, and a sincere desire to continue the legacy of Saint Thomas More. We continue to work on establishing an outreach program in an effort to effectively distribute information to all alumni relative to class reunions and social events. The goal: to “stay connected” to all graduates, AND assist with fundraising efforts to insure the success of our great high school.

STM Alumni have moved on to do great things and some have impacted our community in a positive way, exemplifying the very mission upon which this school was founded. On behalf of the STM Alumni Association Board, I am honored to recognize an outstanding graduate tonight who has done just that. After graduating from STM in 2006, she spent a year in Paris learning French. Now in her final semester at Wesleyan University majoring in International Studies and French with a GPA of 3.86 and named to the Dean’s List seven consecutive semesters, she is faced with the decision to attend the London School of Economics to work on her Master’s in Human Rights; or, head to Sofia Bulgaria on a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship.

At Wesleyan, she received the prestigious Peace Fellowship Award. She’s active with Alpha Phi Omega providing service to her local community. Her internships include the Dutch Parliament in The Hague, the World Health Organization in Geneva, the US Embassy in Sarajevo, and, most recently, the Scholars at Risk Network. She has helped raise funds to eradicate tropical diseases affecting the poor in developing countries. She has interviewed officials in The Hague relative to the unjust killing of 8000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica where she watched as remains were tested for DNA and met with victims’ families. She was part of the US delegation attending the 15th anniversary commemoration.

This 2006 STM graduate has had a positive impact on both the local and international levels. She has displayed exceptional human and ethical qualities, and she is, without a doubt, destined for success. On behalf of the STM Alumni Association, I am honored to present the 2011 Young Alumni of the Year Award to 2006 Graduate Emily Frances Todd Coles. In addition to the individual award, Emily’s name will appear on the plaque permanently displayed at the high school.