Kristin Crowley Announced as WCCC 2024 Student of the Year

CALAIS, ME – Washington County Community College is proud to announce that Kristin Crowley, a student in the Human Services program, has been named the 2024 Student of the Year.

Kristin chose WCCC because she could take courses as a resident of Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center through the Second Chance Pell program and wanted to earn a degree to help others who struggle with substance use disorder.

To be selected as the Student of the Year, the top award a student can achieve at WCCC, individuals must go above and beyond in their course work, their engagement and involvement, and in their leadership. Kristin’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Through her work as a service scholarship student in our Student Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC), she has touched the lives of many by providing support to online students and organizing Recovery Out Loud events. Her commitment to advocating for individuals who are justice impacted is truly commendable, and her work towards reentry programs and advocacy showcases her genuine desire to make a positive difference in the world.

Kristin strives for academic excellence, which is demonstrated by her status on the President’s List with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Kristin’s journey is nothing short of inspirational – from first enrolling while incarcerated to her impressive 4.0 GPA, she has shown complete dedication and passion in her coursework and involvement in campus life. She was the WCCC recipient of the Leon A. Gorman Endowed Scholarship in May 2023 because of her demonstrated strong academic achievement and commitment to community service.

Not only has Kristin excelled academically, but she has also demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance in her personal life. Her involvement in the recovery community, her dedication to helping others, and her proactive approach to initiatives such as the Tobacco Referral Project highlight her selflessness and compassion. Kristin’s successful journey serves as an example of the transformative impact of education, advocacy, and steadfast perseverance. “Kristin’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a brighter future”, according to Tyler Stoldt, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services. President Susan Mingo states that, “Kristin is an example of the transformative impact higher education can have on individuals within the carceral system. She stands out among her peers and continually looks for opportunities to help others learn from the choices she made that led to her incarceration. She believes in the healing power that comes from surrounding yourself with positive role models and works daily to be an example to her family and individuals along their personal recovery journey”.

When not studying or working in the SARC, Kristin enjoys outdoor activities with her two sons, crocheting, and going to the gym. After graduating in May, Kristin plans to complete her certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) exam and eventually to transfer to a four-year college to earn her bachelor’s degree.

Kristin will be recognized for this distinguished honor on April 24th with an in-person ceremony at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell beginning at 10:30a.m. followed by a tea at the Blaine House.