Vanessa Carson '24 Earns 2023 Youth Leadership Award from NAACP - Middlesex County Branch

The Women In the NAACP (WIN) Committee of the Middlesex Country Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted their fifth annual Purpose, Power & Platform luncheon at Saint Clements Castle & Marina on Saturday, April 1. 

At the luncheon, women who exemplify, support, uphold, execute, or augment WIN purposes in extraordinary manners were celebrated.

Vanessa Carson '24, daughter of Linda Colon '86, was acknowledged with the committee's 2023 Youth Leadership Award for her work in enhancing lives and meeting the needs of the community, by being an advocate for women and girls, her compassion for helping people, and for inspiring others to reach their full potential. Her award was presented by Barbara Wade Holloman '86, which Vanessa noted was very special.

"The experience was amazing," shared Vanessa. "I enjoyed being surrounded in a room filled with like-minded POC. I hope to continue my community service and dive deeper into the NAACP community." Vanessa will certainly have the chance as her next endeavor is another community service opportunity: a reading for girls program with the NAACP this summer.

In announcing Vanessa's award, the committee noted, "This award recognizes your exceptional leadership, your heart to serve the community with excellence and impact, and signifies WIN’s appreciation for all you do."  We here at Mercy High School feel likewise - congratulations to Vanessa, we are #mercyproud!