Submitted by Samantha Merwin
(July 15, 2025) — Saige Merwin, a recent graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School, has been selected as a 2025 Kindness Scholar by Liberty Bank, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to community service, advocacy and compassion, especially within the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community.
Diagnosed with T1D at just 17 months old, Saige has never known a life without the daily challenges of managing the disease. But instead of letting it define him, Saige has turned his diagnosis into a mission of support and empowerment for others. Through years of volunteerism, mentorship and leadership, Saige has become a beacon of hope and kindness for young people navigating similar journeys.
“I truly believe in the power of community,” Saige says. “Helping others reminds me that [T1D] doesn’t define me as a person but has helped make me the person I am today.”
Saige’s impact is far-reaching. As a board member of Elbowbumpkid Inc., a nonprofit founded by his family, Saige manages a “diaversary” card program, sending personalized messages to children on the anniversary of their diagnoses. He also mentors younger children at monthly T1D outings, offering advice on how to manage school, sports, and life with diabetes.
This fall, Saige will attend Central Connecticut State University to study climate science and mechanical engineering.
