WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Whether it be sports, academics, and giving back, Maddison "Maddie" Albert is a leader.

 

That's the Mount Greylock Regional School senior was awarded the Superintendent's Certificate of Excellence on Thursday evening. The annual award from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents is given to the top student in the senior class at high schools throughout the state.

 

"The superintendent's association essentially developed the expectations that it is a student at the very top echelon of the senior class who has contributed substantially to the life of the school. Maddie is such a perfect candidate for this," said Mount Greylock Principal Mary MacDonald, who presented the award on behalf of the superintendent.

 

Albert is probably most known for her athletic accomplishments. She is a standout three-sport athlete playing volleyball, basketball, and running track. 

 

"Not only has she been captain in all three sports but her achievements have brought her Western Mass team appointments, all Berkshire County, in track she has been a state meet competitor. We're looking at somebody with incredible talents," MacDonald said.

 

Those athletic skills were turned into a way to give back for Albert.

 

"She has also been involved with little kid track as a community service program. It is an extension of her work in track and field and works with kids from pre-K through sixth grades to try events from everything from running to doing the hurtles to javelins and shot puts," MacDonald said.

 

That program is just one way she has shown to be a leader. Albert had joined the peer to work with middle school students and said she found a passion for working with the younger age groups. She is also current vice-chair of the student council focusing on solving issues like stress relief among her peers and fundraising to solve student issues. 

 

Academically, Albert will graduate after taking eight advanced placement courses and one Williams College class. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of the math club.

 

"She's also maintained her interest in arts. She's been in orchestra for six years," MacDonald said.

 

Albert was humbled by the award, saying there are many of her peers who are "deserving" of the honor.

 

"This is a huge honor as I know many students in my grade are very deserving of this award but that just goes to show how Mount Greylock guides all of the students to grow intellectually, to develop our leadership skills, to become great communicators, and to find our passions," she said.

 

Albert credits the school's staff and administration for affording her the opportunity to delve into so many different areas as she pursued various passions.

 

"I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the opportunities this school provides for me to express my passions and work toward my goals. I can't wait to use all I've learned here about myself and about the world in the future," Albert said.

 

The feeling was mutual as MacDonald said reflects well on the school and is a model for what the school's "identity."

 

"Maddie is the consummate student but she is also the kind of person who brings  Mount Greylock its identity," MacDonald. "She is involved in so many things and she gives back."