Sam Ferraro, Boston College Bound
Brought to you by the GDRHS Athletic Department
By Robert Mingolelli
"Her judgement is beyond reproach, evidenced by her decision to attend, the greatest college on the planet,” offered Groton-Dunstable principal and Boston College alum Mike Mastrullo, regarding senior Sam Ferraro who will attend his alma mater in the fall.
Sam and her sister Lexie, her best friend, live in Groton with their parents, Ellen and Paul Ferraro. “My parents are awesome, a big part of sports for me” shared Sam. “They always attend every meet, my games, are supportive and encourage me and my sister. Lexie is a sophomore at Groton- Dunstable.
During her freshman and sophomore years, Sam played soccer and then began running winter and spring track and field. “A good decision for me,” she remarked. The talented athlete was cross country captain her junior and senior years and captained the winter and spring track teams her sophomore, junior and senior years. “Being captain is such an honor. As a freshman I would look at the upper classmen hoping that when I was older I would be able to help the younger kids."
“Samantha sees the big picture and is willing to help in any way she can,” commented girls’ varsity cross country/track coach Colleen Naboicheck. “She is a solid athlete, always positive with a strong work ethic, at every practice. If necessary, Sam is willing to change events to help the team. She starts workouts, organizes team events and always, is a selfless person doing whatever is needed,” praised coach Naboicheck.
“In a district meet her junior year and not running in top form because of an injury, never the less, Samantha, pushed through knowing that every point was important,” recalls coach Naboicheck. “Her fifth place finish gave the team the one point they needed to qualify for States.”
“I’ll never forget that race,” smiled Samantha.
“I’ve had Mr. Conlon for almost every math class at Groton-Dunstable. His classes are demanding but he has taught me how to study and persevere. It is obvious by the effort he puts forth that he cares about his students,” offered Samantha.
“The most important quality that Sam brings to the classroom is her hard work,” shared Mr. Conlon. “I have known her for four years, and she always brings 100 per cent effort to class every day. She doesn't just settle for being able to solve a problem. She works to make sure she understands the problem in-depth. Her peers respect her work ethic and friendly demeanor. Because of this, she is a great role model in class. I am proud of what she has accomplished in her high school career,” commended Mr. Conlon.
Her busy schedule also includes National Honor Society, the Shed a Little Light Club at G-D and back to Nashoba Valley Medical Center as a volunteer this summer.
The mission of Shed a Little Light Club is to raise awareness and funds to help support education and health in the South Sudan. Throughout the school year, members of this student-run club fundraise through bake sales and other school events. All money raised is sent through Project Education Southern Sudan to help build and supply schools and other services for people in great need.
“Sam Ferraro has been a loyal and active member of Shed a Little Light throughout her high school career. It has been a true pleasure to have the opportunity to watch this great group of students work together to help the global community,” responded Groton-Dunstable advisor Elise McHugh
A stint at Childrens Hospital to repair a badly broken arm during middle school is what keyed her interest in wanting to be an orthopedic surgeon. “The doctor I had was awesome. Four years at Boston College and then medical school,” smiled Samantha. “That’s what I want to do.”
“Sam is a young woman with a really bright future. Intelligent, humble, athletic, hard-working, kind and compassionate are but a few adjectives I would use to describe this special young woman,” continued Mr. Mastrullo. “One of the things I like best is her general disposition. She seems to always be in a pleasant mood, smiling, and genuinely enjoying all that life has to offer. Her story is just beginning and I am excited to witness the next chapter in her life," he concluded.
