When Sam Pellegrene executes a play on the football field, takes the lead in a school musical or he speaks up in class he always seems to stand out. Pellegrene is a senior at Providence Academy in Plymouth where he's become a role model for others.
"I just try to be a good example," he said, "so that the school, you know, can be a better place."
Providence's theater director, Melissa Simmons, remembers Pellegrene walking in as a freshman and nabbing the lead role. He has starred in each spring musical since.
"He's got an amazing voice. His musical talent is phenomenal," said Simmons. "He's just one of those kids who demonstrates who we are at providence. Faith, knowledge, virtue, he demonstrates them all."
The Plymouth teen is also a motivated student. Pellegrene excels in so many realms that his history teacher calls him a 'renaissance man.'
"He's a delight to teach," said Bernard Carpenter. "He's the sort of young man that makes my job easy because he's so interested in the life of the mind. And he's curious, there's a real desire to learn."
Pellegrene also runs track in the spring and works at a daycare during the offseason. But above all, it may be his faith that sets him apart the most.
"It's so well integrated to his daily life that you don't notice it," observed Carpenter. "It doesn't stick out, but once you get to know him you realize how keenly felt it is."
While Pellegrene decides which college next fall, he's considering possible future in business and also seriously contemplating life as a priest.
"My main priority lies with God," said Pellegrene. "And I want to be able to know that if he is calling me to live a life dedicated to him, then I want to make sure that I can hear that."
His teachers believe that with Pellegrene's energy, determination and humor he's bound to make a difference, no matter the path he chooses.
"If there are more students like him, or students who strive to be like him in the qualities he has," said Simmons, "the world's gonna be a great place."
Jennifer Anderson reporting
janderson@twelve.tv
Thursday, October 20, 2011