Laura Sauriol
On June 1, 2011, while a tornado struck her hometown of Monson, Massachusetts passing through its main street, 17-year-old Laura Sauriol sat in her basement creating a Facebook group. This group in a mere few days had over 2000 members and was called Monson Tornado Watch 2011.
Through this group, Laura shared information pertaining to the devastating tornado, such as what people who were concerned could do to help and what items people needed in the recovery effort. It also was a place where anyone could go to get answers to any questions they had concerning the tornado or its after effects. Laura monitored and updated the page frequently to keep all information up to date and to make sure all questions were answered promptly. Through this and other volunteer work she did she became the “go to girl” in Monson’s tornado recovery.
Alongside Laura from the beginning her mother, Jo, has also been involved in the town’s recovery activities and has supported Laura in managing the page. Now, Laura and Jo continue to be involved in town planning and rebuilding efforts such as the destroyed Town Office Building including participation in a large architectural planning charrette for Monson in Boston. Now a college student, this entire experience has affected Laura tremendously and has caused her to seek a degree in business.
Related Resources from Laura Sauriol
Facebook Page Helps Tornado-Ravaged Monson
NPR, June 2011