North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

Kara Corcoran
Young Alumni Award
2026

Kara Corcoran ('04) was born on March 9, 1986, in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in the Abbott Run Valley area of North Attleboro. A proud graduate of North Attleboro High School, Kara's formative years were shaped by a strong sense of community, rigorous academics, and the mentorship of dedicated educators and coaches who left a lasting impression on her life. She credits NAHS with providing a foundation of leadership, accountability, and perseverance that would guide her future path.

After graduating from NAHS in 2004, Kara pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Norwich University, where she also achieved her goal of commissioning as an officer in the United States Army Infantry in 2008. Her distinguished military career spanned nearly 18 years and included two combat tours in Afghanistan. Kara served in a variety of leadership roles, including Cavalry Scout Platoon Leader with the 101st Airborne Division, Paratrooper Company Commander with the 82nd Airborne Division, and Executive Officer of a tank battalion with the 1st Armored Division. Her service was marked by a deep commitment to her soldiers and a belief that leadership is rooted in personal investment, empathy, and accountability.

Throughout her career, Kara continued her education, earning two additional master's degrees from the Command and General Staff College in 2020 and the School for Advanced Military Studies in 2025. She was recognized with numerous military honors, including four Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Ranger Tab, and Master Parachutist Wings.

In 2018, Kara began a deeply personal journey of self-discovery that reshaped her life and strengthened her resolve to serve others. That journey led her to advocacy work with SPARTA Pride, a nonprofit organization supporting transgender service members and veterans. In 2025, she became the organization's first Executive Director, continuing her lifelong commitment to servant leadership and human dignity.

Kara remains deeply grateful for the educators and coaches at NAHS who modeled what true leadership looks like, including her teachers and coaches, Jeff Grant, Don Johnson, and Jack Johnson, who challenged her with honesty, humor, and unwavering belief. Lessons learned in those classrooms and locker rooms continue to guide her today.

Now transitioning from military service, Kara is a devoted parent to twin daughters and an accomplished endurance athlete, pursuing ultramarathon running, backcountry skiing, and rock climbing. Her message to students is clear: education never ends. Growth comes from seeking new perspectives, embracing discomfort, and committing to something greater than oneself.

Kara Corcoran's life reflects the enduring power of service, courage, and community — values first nurtured at North Attleboro High School and carried forward in every chapter of her remarkable journey.