HAVERHILL — It was a regular workday for Linda Giampa, packed with meetings with student athletes — until she was led into a room full of state officials, radio station staff, and a yellow Labrador. Something was off.
Giampa said she was “surprised, shocked, but also honored” upon walking into her own recognition ceremony on Tuesday. The event, held on NECC’s Haverhill campus, was organized by the Massachusetts-based health insurance company Wellpoint in partnership with 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network.
She was named a “Hometown Hero,” which is part of a statewide initiative led by the two groups, honoring the dedication and contribution of teachers, coaches, first responders, military personnel, and other public servants who make a difference in their communities.
As the founder and coordinator of NECC’s Academic Coaching program, Giampa was celebrated for her decade of leadership and the impact her team has had on report cards.
The program offers one-on-one support to students, with the head coach claiming that two cohorts of focus are student athletes and those on academic probation. With their help, kids build strong study habits and life skills, gaining the coaches as mentors in and out of the classroom as well as on and off the field.
“I’m the coordinator, but it’s really my team of coaches that deserves all of the accolades,” Giampa said. “They’re a full-time professional staff and I wouldn’t have earned anything without them.”
Under Giampa’s leadership, the program has contributed to a 33 percent increase in GPAs of 3.0 or higher among student athletes at the college. Today, she and her team of five coaches work with more than 150 youths enrolled at NECC, she said.
Michael McCarthy stood alongside the others, clapping in recognition of Giampa’s success. As the Executive Vice President at NECC, he was the one to submit her nomination to Wellpoint and 98.5.
“When we heard about this opportunity, it was a no-brainer to nominate Linda and the academic coaches,” said McCarthy. “The academic coaches are truly changing the lives of our students through one-on-one support, care, and compassion.”
David Morales, General Manager of Wellpoint, was also in attendance to praise the program’s work.
“We are proud to recognize Linda Giampa as a Wellpoint Hometown Hero,” Morales said. “Her dedication and leadership have positively impacted student success and strengthened the Northern Essex Community College community. Linda embodies the spirit of service and commitment, inspiring those around her. We celebrate her exceptional work and the difference she continues to make.”
Another guest who had only the kindest things to say about Giampa was State Rep. Andy Vargas, who presented her with a plaque from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
She was celebrated by peers, her students, and even Winnie, NECC’s emotional support dog. Giampa was also sent home with a professional-grade hockey puck signed by Boston Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy. Also, she’ll soon receive a voucher for two tickets to a Bruins game next season, courtesy of 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Giampa said she was pleased to see her team be recognized as they don’t just provide academic support but also personal mentorship. Their roles are crucial to ensuring that student athletes don’t just perform well in the game, but on their assignments and exams, too.
“They still have to be eligible to play sports by doing well in the classroom,” she said. “Sports or not, they need to finish their schooling and get good grades.”
Since the program has started, she said that the results have shown rising GPAs and more championship runs for NECC.