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Leslie Montesdeoca honored with John H. Crowder Service Award for leadership and service

For over three decades, John H. Crowder dedicated his life to supporting the youth of Union County. In honor of his enduring contributions and lasting impact, the Union County Board of Education presented the John H. Crowder Service Award for January to a Union County Early College senior.

Leslie Montesdeoca has dedicated much of her time to serving and leading her community in and outside of school. She has been involved in organizations such as the Monroe Youth Council, Union County Early College Student Council and South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) Student Government. She is currently serving as the president of the Monroe City Youth Council and the secretary of SPCC’s Student Government Association.

Leslie has been a member of the Monroe City Youth Council for four years, volunteering at local events like Halloween Happenings, the Easter Extravaganza, Juneteenth, and the Christmas Tree Lighting. She has also contributed to initiatives such as the Hygiene Initiative, where dozens of kits with basic hygiene products were distributed to those less fortunate, and the Cozy Kids Project, where gently used winter clothing was collected and distributed to those in the community. 

Leslie has been involved with the Student Government Association at SPCC for two years, helping organize events for students and staff, including Spring Fling, Welcome Week and Winterfest. She has also devoted her time to leading a monthly blood drive, organizing the Veteran’s Coffee House, and coordinating food drives for the community. She has collected donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene and gathered hygiene products for distribution to those in need. Additionally, she has helped organize educational events, including speaker sessions on domestic violence, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and a banquet for Homelessness Awareness Month.

Leslie will graduate in May with her high school diploma and associate’s degree. She plans to attend North Carolina State and pursue a career in engineering.  

01/14/2025