One Person, One Vision: Changing Lives Through the Power of Giving Back

Sometimes the most powerful acts of change begin with a simple belief: that one person can make a difference. For Xáneya Thomas, a proud alumna of both the Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program (BU LPP) and Binghamton High School, that belief became the foundation for something extraordinary—the Xáneya Thomas Future Leaders Scholarship.

From Student to Changemaker

Xáneya knows firsthand what it means to be seen, supported, and believed in. As a former participant in the BU LPP, she experienced the transformative power of having a community that invests in your potential. The Liberty Partnerships Program has been a lifeline for students throughout the Greater Binghamton area, helping young people stay in school and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

But Xáneya didn't just benefit from this support—she decided to pay it forward in a meaningful way. Her scholarship, awarded annually to a Binghamton High School senior, recognizes students who demonstrate leadership and a passion for making a difference in their local community, with a focus on civic engagement, social justice, and advocacy.

"People have this misconception that young people are too young to make an impact on their community," Thomas explains. Her scholarship challenges that notion by celebrating students who are already changing the world around them.

The Ripple Effect in Action

The first recipient of the Xáneya Thomas Future Leaders Scholarship was Binghamton High School senior Alexea Oliveri, who received $500 toward dorm supplies and tuition for Jacksonville University. Oliveri has been involved with the Liberty Partnerships Program since sixth grade, volunteering at organizations like GiGi's Playhouse, participating in the "Ramp It Up" program to build wheelchair ramps, and helping renovate homes for refugee families.

For Oliveri, receiving the scholarship felt like coming full circle. "It's kind of just crazy for one of the people I looked up to the past six years now giving back directly to me," she shared. This connection—from mentor to mentee, from alumni to current student—illustrates the beautiful cycle of support that makes community-based programs like BU LPP so powerful.

Your Turn to Make a Difference

Xáneya's story proves that every person has the ability to create lasting change. You just need to care and be willing to act. Her scholarship represents what Amy Humphrey, the director of the program, calls "a full-circle moment"—one of their own turning her vision into reality and uplifting the next generation of changemakers.

For Alumni and Families:

If you're a former participant in the Liberty Partnerships Program, or if your family has been touched by the LPP, consider how you might give back. Whether it's contributing to an existing scholarship, creating your own, or volunteering your time and expertise, your involvement can change a young person's trajectory.

For Local Businesses:

The Greater Binghamton community is home to countless young people with incredible potential. By supporting the BU LPP, you're not just making a charitable donation—you're investing in the future workforce, leaders, and innovators of our region. These students often go on to become the leaders who strengthen our local community.

For Community Members:

Everyone has something to offer, whether it's financial support, mentorship, or simply spreading the word about the important work happening through the Binghamton LPP. 

How You Can Get Involved

The Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program continues to serve at-risk students throughout our community, providing academic support, college and career guidance, and leadership development opportunities. But they can't do it alone.

If Xáneya's story has inspired you to get involved, there are many ways to support the BU LPP and even contribute to scholarship opportunities for deserving students. Whether you're interested in making a one-time donation, establishing an ongoing scholarship, or exploring other ways to give back, the program welcomes community partners who share their vision.

Ready to make a difference?

Learn more about supporting the Binghamton LPP and discover how you can help create more success stories like Xáneya's and Alexea's.

Contact our team to find out how you can contribute to scholarships for next year's students and become part of this incredible cycle of giving back.