WNE first-year student Joi-Lee Key-Washington has been recognized with the Outstanding Springfield Youth Award by the Safe Neighborhood Initiative (SNI) for her exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening her community.
The award—presented by a coalition of public safety and justice partners including the Massachusetts State Police, Springfield Police Department, Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, Holyoke Police Department, Massachusetts Probation Services, the Department of Justice, and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office—honors young individuals who make a meaningful difference in promoting safety, integrity, and positive influence in their neighborhoods.
A graduate of Springfield Central High School, Key-Washington has been an active member of the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board, where she helped create a nearly 40-page educational guide for parents on recognizing signs of substance use among teens. “I think parents don’t always know where these substances are hidden or how they’re used,” she explained in an interview with MassLive. “In our guide, we broke down how they look, how they work, and how people hide them—just to create awareness and emphasize support and education.”
Now majoring in Criminal Justice at WNE on a full scholarship, Key-Washington plans to pursue a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Joi-Lee is a powerful example of the kind of student who brings purpose and leadership to her education,” said Marcus Davis, PhD and Dean of WNE's College of Arts and Sciences. “Her dedication to service reflects the values we strive to instill at Western New England University—integrity, justice, and community impact.”
Presented on October 28, 2025, the Outstanding Springfield Youth Award celebrates Key-Washington’s role as a positive force among her peers and her continued work to inform and inspire others through education and advocacy.
