Amanda North '71 Visits RCS
On Tuesday, October 8th, RCS alum Amanda North '71 returned to the Upper Campus to share her remarkable story with the students at an assembly. During the assembly, the School honored her by presenting her with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Amanda's story began on April 15, 2013, when she was at the Boston Marathon to support her daughter, who was running the race. That day, Amanda also helped to save a life. She was standing near the finish line, waiting for her daughter, when the bombs went off. Fellow spectator Erika Brannock was standing near Amanda, and Erika suffered a devastating injury as a result of the explosions. Amanda was also injured but, in the aftermath of the explosions, she focused her energy on helping Erika, whose injuries were more severe.
Amanda's story began on April 15, 2013, when she was at the Boston Marathon to support her daughter, who was running the race. That day, Amanda also helped to save a life. She was standing near the finish line, waiting for her daughter, when the bombs went off. Fellow spectator Erika Brannock was standing near Amanda, and Erika suffered a devastating injury as a result of the explosions. Amanda was also injured but, in the aftermath of the explosions, she focused her energy on helping Erika, whose injuries were more severe.
Erika was the final Boston Marathon patient to be released from the hospital. Following her release, Erika was determined to find Amanda. With the help of CNN, the two women were able to meet, and CNN captured their emotional reunion. Click HERE to read an article and watch a video from CNN.
With this newfound appreciation for life, and desire to make a positive difference, Amanda has launched a new social venture called Artisan Connect. The purpose of Artisan Connect is to help sustain artisans in developing countries by giving them better market access through an online marketplace and by celebrating their work through storytelling and social media.
Amanda spoke with the students and answered several questions, and the message that she delivered to them was powerful and inspiring.
"The words that you say have the power to hurt people or the power to help people," she told the students. "Things happen very quickly in life. We know that change happens... and you all have the power and the ability to be a hero. Do something good for someone today. It can make a big difference."
Amanda is Rippowam Cisqua School's most recent recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Amanda’s story speaks of courage and strength. She communicates an inspiring message of ordinary people doing extraordinary things through kindness and bravery.
Rippowam Cisqua School
439 Cantitoe Street
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
439 Cantitoe Street
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreK-Grade 9 independent day school in Westchester County, New York. RCS offers challenging academics built on innovation, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, wellness, leadership, service learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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