Mollis Honors Johnston Students For Leadership

From the Rhode Island Secretary of State Press Office:

Two Johnston students earned 2011 State Civic Leadership Awards, presented by Secretary of State Ralph A. Mollis on June 17 at the State House.

Nilanda Sutoummalee and Joshua Avila of were honored for outstanding contributions to their school and their community.

Sutoummalee was Student Council president, a class representative, treasurer of Students Against Destructive Decisions and a member of the Drama Club and the Big Brother/Big Sister Program. She also captained Johnston High School's Academic Decathlon team.

Avila was a member of the Police Academy, Chemistry team, Academic Decathlon team and Float Committee. He also he volunteers at Ronald McDonald House and a local community food bank.

“This award honors students who show an understanding of the importance public service has in a democratic society,” said Mollis. “These students take the principles of civics and put them into action at home and at school.”

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis honored two Johnston High School students with 2011 State Civic Leadership Awards, which recognize members of the senior class who make outstanding contributions to their school and their community.

“This award honors students who show an understanding of the importance public service has in a democratic society,” said Mollis. “These students take the principles of civics and put them into action at home and at school.” 

Mollis asked high schools around the state to select one male and one female member of the Class of 2011 who best met the ideals of the award: public service, leadership ability and academic achievement.

More than 70 high schools nominated seniors for the honor. This is the fifth consecutive year that Mollis has presented the awards.

For more information on the programs and services the Secretary of State offer Rhode Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.