BARRINGTON, N.S. — Barrington’s Tomi McCarthy has been recognized a second time for her volunteer work and community involvement on and off campus at Acadia University.
McCarthy, who is a third year student at Acadia and is on the roster for the Axewomen Rugby squad, was named the Acadia Students Union Jimmy Atomate award winner at the University's Department of Athletics annual Fred G. Kelly Awards Night on April 1.
“The Award is given annually to a Varsity Athlete who made an exceptional effort to connect with students and fans,” reads the citation. It notes McCarthy “is heavily involved in the student community, volunteering her time with several causes.”
She is the coordinator for the youth outreach program Rec Buddies and also leads the Acadia Women's Centre. She is a leader and program organizer for Acadia's S.M.I.L.E. program (Sensory Motor Instructional Learning Experience), working with children with autism to develop motor, cognitive and social learning skills. She also helps organize and run the Girls Night Out program within the Wolfville community where young girls are paired with female student-athletes from Acadia who serve as role models.
“I love volunteering with the programs that I do, because it gives me an opportunity to do something meaningful while I’m at Acadia,” says McCarthy. “I’ve learned so much through working with so many different people and by trying to make a positive impact in their lives. What keeps me inspired is the connections you make with others on such a real and human level.”
Last fall, McCarthy was selected as the recipient of the AUS (Atlantic University Sport) student-athlete community service award for 2018 Women’s Rugby.
McCarthy is just the second player from the Axewomen to be honoured with that award since its inception in 2009.
