Carley Robinson, senior PRYDE scholar and Human Development major, has been selected by the Cornell Public Service Center as one of this year’s Robinson-Appel Humanitarian Award recipients. The Robinson – Appel award honors Cornell students who work within their communities to address unique social needs or issues. Awardees receive $2,500 to continue a community service project of their choice.

Carley’s passion is exploring the ways that theatre can heal. Through her involvement in Civic Ensemble and their ReEntry Theatre Program, Carley fights against the stigmatism of incarceration and mental illness in Tompkins County. Through the theatre, she helps tell the stories of individuals who have been court involved. Carley has dedicated two years in service to ensure that narratives of the marginalized are being told, and she has helped to increase awareness, inclusion, and empowerment within the community. Carley will use the Robinson-Appel Humanitarian Award to support her post-graduation work with Civic Ensemble.

"Civic Ensemble has been my professional and artistic home for the past two years. As I transition out of my time as a student, I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my relationship with this community that cares for me so deeply.", says Carley about the significance of receiving the Robinson-Appel Humanitarian Award.