Ava Petrosino ‘26, a Nursing major with a Spanish for Health Sciences minor, has been selected as the Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year for her advocacy and leadership on campus.
The award is presented annually to an incoming senior and provides a full tuition scholarship for the student’s final year at Saint Anselm College. Holmes Scholars show concern for and work to provide assistance to others, demonstrate leadership potential, and actively participate in the life of the college.
“[Petrosino] embodies academic excellence and humility through her leadership and service,” comments Jenne Powers, assistant dean for academic support services.
When Petrosino first arrived at Saint Anselm, she immediately felt at home. The tight-knit feel of the campus community excited her, and she was compelled by an unwavering enthusiasm for academia. Petrosino felt like she fit right in at the College apart from one thing: her need for an accessible campus.
As a student with limited mobility, Petrosino has a perspective that differed from many of her peers. At times she has felt like her wheelchair made her stand out and prevented her from full campus involvement. Discouraged but determined, Petrosino collaborated with a fellow classmate to speak with Saint Anselm staff at a panel and raise awareness around the accessibility challenges she was facing. Petrosino’s suggestions acknowledged creative and equitable solutions and inspired change to make campus more accessible for all kinds of current and future students. This type of advocacy and leadership speaks directly to Petrosino’s desire to impact the College both now and in the future.
Petrosino is known to her peers and professors as diligent, responsible, and intelligent. In her Nursing program, Petrosino learned to see leadership differently - to be a collaborator instead of a savior. In May 2025, Petrosino volunteered to share her story at a national conference for nurse educators.
“When I introduce myself to my patients, I let them know that I will work with them instead of for them,” she says. “Having been the patient in similar situations, I know how lonely it is to feel powerless and unheard. As a nurse, I never want my patients to feel that they have no autonomy or voice in their own care. I want to use my knowledge and skills to advocate on behalf of others.” Petrosino hopes to be an example of a nurse with a physical disability and aims to make the world a more accommodating place where all types of people can thrive.
Academics aside, Petrosino’s dedication to the campus and local community speaks for itself. Since her sophomore year, Petrosino has worked in the Academic Resource Center (ARC), where she can be found empowering student success as a peer tutor. She serves as a leader for the Accessibility, Awareness, and Advocacy group (AAA) and as a Head Peer Mentor for the Transitions Program. Through the Meelia Center, Petrosino participated in community engaged learning with Girls Inc., The Arbors of Bedford, and has volunteered at Foster and Adoptive Parents Night Out (FAPNO), and Hope for NH recovery center in Manchester. On top of her rigorous courseload, Petrosino offers compassionate mentorship to students with and without disabilities with her involvement at the Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Fund (DIIF).
“While the knowledge that I gained here will prepare me to be a nurse, the skills I learned from being Anselmian taught me how to do so with compassion and strength. This community encouraged me to speak up about accessibility and diversity, allowing me to learn stewardship and leadership.”
In the face of challenge, Petrosino rose above. Her determination and courage will continue to inspire change and serve as a true example of Benedictine values.