The William S. Neal Rising Star Award recognizes an individual with up to ten years of membership in NEACAC who works in the field of college admissions and counseling.  William S. Neal (1936-2004) was a quintessential New Englander whose warm steadfast leadership and guidance touched the lives of many students, families, and counselors during his thirty-two years in the profession, including twenty-four years as the chief admission officer at Norwich University and Elmira College.  Bill served in many capacities of leadership on the regional and national levels but was perhaps most familiar at our regional college fairs and during annual conference where he mentored new college admission and high school counselors throughout New England.  The William S. Neal Award passes Bill’s torch to a NEACAC member who has been engaged in association activities and who has shown particular commitment to students and the profession, with promise for continued service and leadership.

This year's award was presented to Sara Brookshire, Associate Director of Admission at Emerson College in Boston, MA.  She was presented the award at NEACAC's Annual Meeting and Conference at Stonehill College in Easton, MA on June 9, 2011. 

To nominate for the 2012 William Neal Rising Star please go to: https://www.neacac.org/awards_neal_nom.cfm