2 West Haven High School Students Receive Youth Leadership Awards

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two West Haven High School freshman students were recently presented with the "Commissioner Mullins Youth Leadership Award."

Students Johnnie Harrison and Margarita Buren were chosen by guidance counselors Angela Clohessy and Heather Kannengeiser for leadership that they have demonstrated at the school during their freshman year.

"Johnnie Harrison is a strong student and outstanding leader," Kannengeiser said in a recommendation correspondence to Commissioner Steven R. Mullins. "He demonstrates great commitment to his future, his high school and looks forward to contributing to the West Haven community."

"Margarita Buren is an outstanding student," Clohessy wrote. "She displays artistic ability, playing the flute in the West Haven High School Band and athletic ability as a member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team. She volunteers as a counselor for the summer camp sponsored by West Haven Park and Recreation, developing strong leadership skills in the community."

Each student received a certificate, a booklet containing the United States Constitution and a check for $100.

Mullins, a 1993 alumni of the school and current Chairman of the City's Fair Rent Commission created the award in 2016. He was on hand to present the awards to the students.

"It is very important to recognize the good work of outstanding freshman students to encourage them to continue doing great things at the high school and the wider West Haven community," Mullins said.

The ceremony took place in the school's Career Development Center and was attended by school leaders and families of the students.