First-ever recipient of Xaneya Thomas Future Leader Scholarship
Alexea Oliveri is graduating from Binghamton High School. She is receiving the first-ever Xaneya Thomas Future Leader Scholarship through the Liberty Partnerships Program.
Thomas was herself an active member of Liberty Partnerships before graduating from BHS in 2020 and has spent the past four years as a counselor for the program.
Liberty Partnerships works locally with Binghamton University to offer at-risk students tutoring, mentoring, and emotional support. They also engage in a wide variety of community service.
Thomas says Oliveri has embraced the core mission of the program.
'Her never-ending commitment to social justice and advocacy. I was a firsthand witness to said commitment. Every summer, she showed up, gave it her best, and always stood out from the rest of the students that we worked with and was a leader in that role every single year,' said Thomas.
Oliveri has participated in the Liberty Partnership Program since 6th grade and has been active in community service projects such as the Ramp It Up program that builds wheelchair ramps for those in need. She's also volunteered at GiGi's Playhouse and engaged in neighborhood cleanups.
Oliveri says Liberty has been like an extended family to her.
'It means a lot because honestly, this whole program I've always known was about giving back, and it's always been giving back to our community. But, seeing somebody who's always been so close to us and plays a huge part in the program giving back directly to the students is a crazy feeling,' said Oliveri.
Oliveri plans to attend Jacksonville University this fall to study psychology and criminal justice.
To learn more about the program, visit LibertyPartnerships.com.
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