Whiz Kids: Tiverton High School Students Receive Power of Peer Leadership Awards

Name: Emily Masse
Age: 15

Name: Maggie Masse
Age: 17

Name: Cynda Martin
Age: 18

Name: Brian Behan
Age: 18

Name: Andrew Enos
Age: 16

Name: David Silva
Age: 16

Name: William Blake
Age: 16

School: Tiverton High School
Nominated by: Tiverton Prevention Coalition

All seven of the aforementioned students were honored with the Power of Peer Leadership Award at the Tiverton Prevention Coalition Celebration Thursday evening at . According to coalition coordinator Rebecca Elwell, the award is intended to honor individuals “who through their efforts and leadership have made powerful changes in their school community. Community prevention includes environmental change, which means changing the environment where people work, live and play. Specifically, the coalition seeks to “promote those ideas and activities that lead people toward a healthier, more productive lifestyle free of the negative effects of underage drinking and drug use, while decreasing the factors that may contribute to substance abuse."

Emily and Maggie Masse were honored due to their instituting a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions, a group which promotes responsible and healthy decision making amongst their peerS at Tiverton High. They are currently preparing to organize a student group to attend the Bryant College’s Team Spirit conference in July.

Cynda Martin was recognized for her founding a Gay-Straight Alliance at Tiverton High. Cynda’s work in promoting tolerance and education concerning the challenges faced by gay students included a interview with NBC10 News reporter Bill Rappleye.

Finally, Brian Behan, Andrew Enos, David Silva, and William Blake were honored for their contributions to the Tiverton High School Peer Helping Network. Dubbed the “Fab Four” for their efforts, these students played an instrumental role in raising awareness about the dangers of bullying and harassment. Their work on this subject included two school-wide anti-bullying assemblies, participation in a state level conference concerning cyber-bullying related legislature, a week-long anti-bullying project, and interviews with NBC10 News reporters Mario Hilario and Bill Rappleye.