Leanne Brooks Honored by Student Sage Award

Leanne Brooks, a member of the class of 2011 at Mercy High School, has received Russell Sage College's distinguished designation as a Student Sage scholar. Scholars are nominated by their high school guidance counselors and must exemplify Russell Sage College's motto, "To Be, To Know, To Do." The award was created to recognize the characteristics of academic excellence, student leadership and community involvement that have defined Russell Sage women for nearly a century.

Mercy High School student Leanne Brooks, receives her Student Sage award from her counselor, Mrs. Marla Buono.

Award winners are invited to visit the college in the fall for a special Student Sage Reception that recognizing these young women of excellence. Student Sage winners are eligible for scholarships ranging up to $15,000 for each year of study, should they attend Russell Sage College.

In recognizing Leanne, Sr. Mary McCarthy RSM, Principal of Mercy High School, stated: "Leanne Brooks embodies the Russell Sage motto through her achievements and involvement, and in doing so, brings well-earned recognition to the learning community at Mercy High School."

Leanne was also recently named a finalist in the Nonprofit Heroes Award sponsored by the Hartford Business Journal to celebrate nonprofit volunteerism and civic responsibility. She was recognized for establishing The Magazine Team at Middlesex Memorial Hospital, a team of volunteers who collect used and unwanted magazines from donors, and make them available to patients and visitors who need a welcome bit of distraction from their hospital visit. Leanne is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brooks of Higganum.