Abigail Receives Volunteerism Award

ABC of Andover honored scholar Abigail Shugert with the 2020 Samuel S. Rogers Prize for Volunteerism. The prize, named for a key contributor to ABC of Andover, recognizes the values Rogers held dear: compassion and commitment.

For the last three years, Abby has distinguished herself as a weekly volunteer at the Esperanza Academy, tutoring and mentoring students at the tuition-free girls middle school in Lawrence, Mass. Esperanza Director of Literacy and Curriculum Ariel Aggarwal said Abby’s kindness and consistency made a huge impact.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Abby continued to serve by assembling meal packets for her Los Angeles neighbors and helping her siblings with distance learning.

“Abby’s accomplishments at Esperanza, commitment to her community, and contributions to the ABC House as a role model speak volumes about who she is and the path she’s taking toward a life filled with the passions and values that Sam Rogers held dear,” said Anne Wakelin, an ABC of Andover board member who presented the award during the recent online scholars celebration.

Abby is a rising senior at Andover High School.

Rogers, who died in 2010, fulfilled many roles for ABC of Andover -- founder, president, director, donor, and host parent. He was also a leader of the Stevens Foundation, a major supporter of ABC of Andover.