Worcester, MA --- Senior Mario De Jesus (Lawrence, MA/Central Catholic) was recently recognized at the fifth annual "29 Who Shine" ceremony on May 14 at the Massachusetts Statehouse. Top students from around the state were lauded by Governor Charlie Baker for their outstanding civic contributions to the state.

"I want to congratulate the outstanding Class of 2015 graduates for the recognition they have received and thank them for their substantial contributions to their local communities," said Governor Baker.

"Each of the '29 Who Shine' honorees, in addition to being an accomplished student, is civically engaged in ways that improve the quality of life in Massachusetts."

De Jesus, a health education and spanish major, is a leader on campus. As a senior on the men's track and field team, he has excelled in the classroom with a 3.61 grade point average and he served as a Presidential Student Ambassador - a corps of those who represent the ideals professionalism, inclusion, service and respect for others.

Amidst a busy schedule, De Jesus was also a dedicated member of the department home events staff.

Athletically, De Jesus earned All-MASCAC accolades in the javelin on three ocassions and he was honored on the All-Alliance team for sixth place as a junior. De Jesus also qualified for the Division III New England Championships in three of his four years competing on the outdoor track and field team.

As an active participant in the local community, De Jesus has helped out at local soup kitchens, assisted at road races within the city of Worcester, volunteered in gym classes in area elementary schools and cleaned up city parks. He interned with Centro las Americas, where he made presentations on health education to Spanish-speaking students.

De Jesus will pursue his Masters in Public Health at UMass Amherst, with a concentration in community health.

Worcester State University Release