"Unsung Hero"

Katherine Pavone, a member of Alpha XI Delta, has recently won an Unsung Hero Award for Greek Life here on the UNH campus.  Annually the Greek community at UNH hosts the Greek Awards banquet, which honors both Fraternity and Sorority men and woman with various awards.

Pavone is originally from Boston, MA, and is a senior, and joined the Alpha XI Delta sorority in the fall of her sophomore year. She is a History and International Affairs major with a three minor’s on Politic Science, Italian and Middle Eastern studies.

The award was presented to her at the annual Greek Awards Banquet, where the previous Alpha XI president Kelly Lynch honored Pavone with kind words in a letter of why she was nominated. Pavone recalls the letter, Kelly, had written about her and describes it as “tear-jerking.” She also says she knew she had won when the presenter began an introduction involving her “unique position” at the chapter. Pavone was one of three others who found out they were nominated through an email.

Pavone says it was nice to receive recognition for all of the work she has down for her chapter. She knows she has worked hard on the executive board this past year and helped the house make it through some difficult obstacles. Pavone speaks about her role on the executive board with the eight others she works with to represent the house.

She offers advice to other leaders on campus who may be going through difficult situations as well. At the end of the day, Pavone knows she has been making a difference, which is something she prides herself on.  

Other girls living at the sorority house explain why they think Pavone is an exceptional person and why she was so deserving of this award. Both girls were able to view Pavone’s outstanding leadership skills while on the sorority’s executive board, and really believe she was the most deserving person of the award. They really feel she encompasses everything a “unsung hero” is and has been an amazing leader.

Samantha Higgins, a senior living at the Alpha XI Delta house, has known Pavone since they were sophomores, and served as vice president on the executive board with her.  Higgins believes Pavone puts other people before herself and that that is a great quality for her to win this award.  She says Pavone is a really genuine person. 

Another sorority sister, Michelle Bolduc believes Pavone is a giver and not a taker. She is sad to see Pavone graduate and leave UNH because she has been such a great influence on the sisters in the house. Bolduc hopes that they will get someone like her for the future, but is weary that no such person may exist, Pavone is a true rarity.

Pavone is an exceptional young woman, and proves her ability to accomplish many great things through this interview. She is a talented young woman who is extremely deserving of this award. The Greek community at UNH should be proud.