Sophomore Leigh McCauley honored with Essence of Humanity Award for overcoming adversity with courage and determination
April 14th, 2010
Leigh McCauley faced adversity from the very first moments of her life. McCauley was born addicted to drugs as a result of her mother’s addiction. Her mother died when McCauley was just six, and she grew up in the care of her economically-disadvantaged grandmother.
McCauley is a communications major at Messiah where she is also involved in student ministry. She volunteers at Second Mile, an organization that provides mentoring and leadership opportunities to children in need of additional adult support. McCauley benefited from Second Mile programs as a child and now speaks to participants and donors.
According to the news release about this event, “The intent of the Essence of Humanity Award is to honor those who inspire the best in all of us through the award and by elevating their stories.” Speaking about McCauley, the release states, “According to those who know her so well, she embodies inspiration, persistence, determination, strength, and love, leveraging the story of her personal challenges to help and inspire others.”
The Essence of Humanity Award was presented to McCauley on April 13 during the United Way Volunteer Center Awards Ceremony at Beth El Temple in Harrisburg.
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