Jasmine Batista of Springfield receives social work award at Elms College

CHICOPEE, MA (05/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Jasmine Batista of Springfield received the Marguerite O. Carson Award for Achievement in Social Work at Elms College's annual spring Honors Convocation. The award has been established to recognize a graduating social work major who has overcome obstacles and shown significant personal growth and development while at Elms and made important contributions to classes, as well as to their fellow students. The award honors Marguerite O. Carson, a long-time social work practitioner in the Greater Springfield area, who served as faculty and Social Work Advisory Board member.

Batista, who was awarded her bachelor of science degree in social work at Elms College's commencement Sunday, May 16, began losing her hearing at age four, and to this day it is not clear why. But with the unfailing support of her father and the aid of an implant in her left ear several years ago, she is undaunted.

"I don't ask people for help unless I need it," she says. "I love school, learning, and reading and writing.

Elms College is a co-educational, Catholic college offering a liberal arts curriculum that gives students multiple perspectives on life. Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Elms College has a tradition of educating reflective, principled, and creative learners, who are rooted in faith, educated in mind, compassionate in heart, responsive to civic and social obligations, and capable of adjusting to change without compromising principle.