Leechburg Resident Noah Giovannelli to Join Thrive League as Director

He'll graduate from Hamilton College on May 22

Clinton, NY (05/05/2021) — When thinking about what to do after he graduates from Hamilton College this month, Leechburg resident Noah Giovannelli knew he wanted to pursue Hispanic studies combined with traveling. His interest arose from the many friends he had from Spanish-speaking countries in high school, and a program in Madrid he participated in during his junior year.

But it wasn't until his first public policy class that he realized he had found another passion. Giovannelli discovered that public policy incorporates many interesting disciplines, including economics and political science. Now after graduation, he'll be combining them all - and helping youth - as a director at Thrive League.

Thrive League is a non-profit that identifies talented young teenagers, who are also passionate soccer players, and works with them to obtain scholarships to study at schools outside their home countries. Through the support they receive from Thrive League, many of the student-athletes are able to pursue higher education.

Currently, Thrive League has students from Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries as it expands throughout Africa and Asia. Giovannelli will play a major part in the organization's growth.

"I will be traveling to these different countries, connecting with students and their families while searching for the best boarding schools," he said. "I will continue to check in on them over the years academically, socially, and personally. It's a lot of working with people, a lot of traveling, but mainly education."

Giovannelli played four years on Hamilton's varsity soccer team, and he's displayed leadership through contributions to the community. He is a senior fellow at COOP (Community Outreach and Opportunity Program), and has an extensive list of community work. He is head tutor for the A Better Chance (ABC) program, helps run Alternative Spring Break, works as an orientation leader, and serves as secretary of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Thinking of mentors who helped him in his journey, he mentioned Professor of Government Gary Wyckoff, whose public policy class inspired Giovannelli to pursue the major. "He really cares about his students," he said, "and is always willing to listen to me."

Giovannelli also mentioned Amy James, the director of COOP. "She's been an important part of my Hamilton experience," he said. "She opened doors for me that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise."

Although he will miss the close friendships and incredible people he found at Hamilton, Giovannelli cannot wait for the future. He is passionate about Thrive League and ready to make a difference in kids' lives.

Giovannelli is a graduate of the Kiski School and majored in public policy and Hispanic studies at Hamilton.

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