THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, DECEmbER 23, 2022 Page 5 DiDomenico cohosted Ending Hunger Forum, named FSC Co-Chair O n December 14, State Senator Sal DiDomenico joined his Food System Caucus (FSC) Co-Chairs in hosting a forum and strategy session about how Massachusetts can end hunger and tackle diet-related diseases this decade. Co-Chairs, other elected offi cials and advocates also discussed takeaways from the momentous White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September. “Massachusetts is leading the country’s efforts to end hunger and I was proud to lead the eff orts to extend universal school meals in our schools, expanding access to SNAP benefi ts, and increasing cash assistance to our neighbors who are most in need,” said Senator DiDomenico, who is Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “However, our discussion made it clear that we still need to work incredibly hard next session and keep pushing to make sure we fi nally eliminate hunger completely by 2030. I am grateful we were joined by Project Bread President and CEO, Erin McAleer, The Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO, Catherine D’Amato, Congressman Jim McGovern, and so many other colleagues and advocates who have helped our state come so far on addressing food insecurity.” Senator DiDomenico will be a new Food System Caucus Co-Chair in 2023 after years of advocacy on this issue. Senator DiDomenico’s recent legislative accomplishments related to food access include passing Breakfast After the Bell and Universal School Meals to ensure no Massachusetts student goes hungry in school, increasing funding for food banks, creating a common application to expand access to SNAP benefi ts and increasing cash assistance programs to families in need. Everett resident among 33 outstanding sophomores inducted into Alpha Omega Psi Honor Society S tudent Success and the First Year Experience offi ce (FYE) at Salem State University recently inducted 33 outstanding sophomores into Alpha Omega Psi; among these students was Everett resident Gabriell Nascimento, a Criminal Justice major. Alpha Omega Psi is an honor society for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and engagement at the university. During their fi rst year, these students participated in the Salem State University Emerging Scholars Program and successfully completed all requirements while maintaining a commitment to their academic success. Emerging Scholars participants are paired with graduate student success coaches and participate in a variety of guided sessions and focused programs throughout their first year. The program is designed to build students’ academic and life skills. The induction ceremony included Emerging Scholars Success Coaches Rashid Abuelmaali and Carolyn Tracy as well as Emerging Scholars program coordinator Ashley Figueroa and Student Success and FYE Assistant Director Megan Wigton. An inspiring keynote address was given by Assistant Dean of Student Success and FYE Mathew Chetnik, and a virtual greeting was off ered by Salem State University Assistant Vice President Lee Brossoit. Inductees received a formal certifi cate and a medallion to wear as part of their commencement regalia when they graduate. Chetnik noted, “Emerging Scholars provides students an opportunity to take ownership of their college experience while taking advantage of INDUCTED | SEE PAGE 11
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