Bedford's Sydney Leyden Receives Prestigious Assumption Honor

BEDFORD, NH – Bedford High alumna Sydney Leyden has received the prestigious Light the Way Scholarship at Assumption College. The scholarship is given to students who utilize their abilities to help others and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Leyden is also a member of the Assumption College swim team.

Leyden was recognized for her advocacy to promote childhood literacy. She coordinated a number of book drives that collected over 5,000 books for the Reach Out and Read initiative. She hosted a fundraiser to purchase new books for the organization and also spends time reading to children.

"A cornerstone of the Assumption College mission is forming students with thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service," said Assumption College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. "Both inside and outside the classroom, our students are encouraged to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in the communities in which they live. Students recognized with a Light the Way Scholarship embody the Assumption mission and have demonstrated a commitment to helping others, whether volunteering in the community or brainstorming innovative ideas that positively impact the world."

This year, Assumption awarded 36 Light the Way Scholarships worth up to $27,000 each, renewable all four years. As part of the scholarship requirements, Light the Way scholars must take the Perspectives on Global Humanitarian Relief, a course designed to challenge students to understand and think deeply about global migration and the humanitarian efforts of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), one of the largest global relief aid organizations in the world.