ARHS graduate Emily Lowe a true leader

By Alexandra Molnar, Contributing Writer

Northborough – From serving as class president for four years to competing on the school swim and cross country teams to volunteering for various organizations, Emily Lowe had no shortage of commitments during her career at Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS).

But for Lowe, no task was too big to handle.

The recent high school graduate’s accomplishments make it clear that she is a tenacious leader, while her bright smile conveys the feeling that she is never too busy to make people laugh. Lowe described herself as shy at first in public settings, but once you get to know her, she is outgoing and enjoys lightening the mood.

Lowe had never really swam before her freshman year. When a friend inspired her to try out for the ARHS swim team, she decided to go for it despite her lack of formal training. After making the team her freshman year, Lowe continued for the whole of her high school career.

Her “why not?” attitude that prompted her to try swimming also led Lowe to join the cross country team as a junior and a senior. While she admits that she was not the best, she said that it was fun and that she still had a good time.

Jean Fedak, ARHS swim coach, said that Lowe’s work ethic was always inspirational and that she loves bringing the best out in others. For Lowe’s excellent academic record, upbeat character, and ability to always put her best foot forward, Lowe was awarded an Academic All-America award from the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA).

Though competing in two seasons of sports, the activity that took up the most of the young student’s time was serving as class president. Lowe also cites this responsibility as her most challenging, saying that it was often a struggle to get class members to commit to participate in events and activities. But Lowe and her team rose to the challenge, reaching out to their peers to make activities appeal to all interests.

What inspired her to persevere through the difficult moments? Lowe said that she always kept the end in sight – not because she wanted the challenges to be over, but because she was looking forward to seeing the culmination of her work.

As part of being president, Lowe enjoyed working with teachers whom she called “instrumental in our lives.”

During her senior year, Lowe served as a teachers’ assistant for a freshman biology class.“It was cool to work with [teachers] on a different level,” she said.

After four years of coordination behind the scenes as a member of the class board, Lowe appreciated the recognition that she received when she gave a speech at her graduation and received a large round of applause when she was called up to talk.

“[It’s] the little stuff like that that makes everything worth it,” Lowe said.

One of her favorite volunteer activities was playing on a soccer team at the Shrewsbury Special Olympics. Additionally, she has been very involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Two years after her younger sister Hailey, was diagnosed with diabetes, she started a fundraising team with their mother, Kathy. Lowe eventually became the team captain which involved organizing, recruiting members and selling tee shirts. (The Lowe family owns Lowe’s Variety & Meat Market in Northborough.)

“It’s really cool to see how the community comes together,” she remarked. “[There are] people who donate large amounts of money. It’s heartwarming.”

One year, Lowe and her sister were asked to present at one of JDRF’s corporate meetings, which Lowe described as “pretty intimidating and pretty cool.”

Lowe enjoys science, English, and Spanish, and will attend Saint Anselm College in the fall. As of now, she is unsure of her major, but knows that she would like to pursue a career that is fulfilling and allows her to give back, possibly as a teacher.

Lowe’s role models are her two older brothers. She said that looks up to her eldest brother, Patrick, who is currently in medical school, for his dedication and ability to find a balance between fun and work. She also has a great deal of respect for her other brother, Eddie, who is in the U.S. Army and will attend Princeton University next year.

As for the future, Lowe said, “I’m excited to see where life takes me. Right now I’m open to anything. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen next.”