Cornell University
A native of Rochester, NY, Sam’s involvement in the Ithaca, NY community has been widespread.
In 2001, with the help of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, he initiated the "Special Population Skate" at Cornell University. The program is designed to introduce people with special needs to skating and hockey.
What is remarkable about this program is that it takes place for about an hour every Sunday from October through the hockey season, and it has since Sam first approached the IYB two years ago. He was involved with a similar program when he was attending high school at Choate Rosemary Hall, and he wanted to do the same thing in Ithaca.
Earlier this season, the Big Red, which has been ranked in the top 10 nationally, played a game at Vermont on a Saturday night. They took a bus back to Ithaca throughout the night and were on the ice with the special needs adults on Sunday afternoon.
Paolini has not restricted his community involvement to the Special Population Skate, though. He also initiated the "Power Play for Prevention" at Cornell. This program benefits the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance.
His involvement with breast cancer is personal, as both his mother and grandmother have been diagnosed with the disease. In their honor, Paolini began the power play program in recognition of the support they received during treatment and recovery.
In summary, Sam approached the area’s largest bank, which agreed to be a major sponsor of the campaign by contributing $100.00 for each power play goal the team scores. In addition, the bank is encouraging local people to make their own contributions to the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance.
Involved in volunteerism since 1995-96 when he offered his help with the Kidney Foundation and continuing from 1996-99 when he was with the "Special Population Skate" at Choate School, Paolini has devoted time to more than the "Special Population Skate" and "Power Play Prevention" at Cornell. He initiated the HealthNow promotion where he talks to the area schools about healthy living. He has also initiated the Skills Competition and Skate with the Big Red to raise money for the homeless. In addition, he has visited local schools to serve as an assembly speaker and has been a volunteer coach for Ithaca Youth Hockey.
It is hard to fathom that someone who gives so much of his time to the community still finds time to study and play hockey. Yet, Paolini has excelled at both.
Academically, he has over a 3.1 average in applied economics management. He has received two academic scholarships and was on the ECAC All-Academic Team last year. He is a member of the school’s athletic honor society and, last year, received the Richie Moran Award, which is presented to Cornell student-athletes who distinguish themselves through academics, athletics, and ambassadorship.
Athletically, he is a standout for the hockey team. A year ago, in 35 games, he had 15 goals and 18 assists. He led the ECAC in power play goals, was named to the ECAC All-Tournament Team and was a Second Team All-Ivy selection.
"It’s extraordinary when a student would like to help, has a plan in mind, and then follows through on that plan purely on his or her own initiative," wrote Christine Sanchirico, the executive director of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance. "Sam has been that kind of extraordinary volunteer."
"Not only is Sam an outstanding student athlete, he is also an outstanding human being as evidence by the many ways he has enriched the Ithaca community during his four years at Cornell," wrote Barbara Hatt from the South Hill Elementary School.
This year, Paolini is the coordinator of the hockey team’s visit to South Hill.
"Sam does all these activities because it makes others feel good," summed up Cornell head hockey coach Mike Schafer. |
