Mollis Honors Woonsocket Students With State Civic Leadership Awards

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis honored eight local students with 2011 State Civic Leadership Awards, given annually to members of the senior class who make outstanding contributions to their schools and their community.

“This award recognizes 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.”

The local winners are and Jesus Velez of  the Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, of Mount Saint Charles Academy, Rachel K. Gonera and Brian S. Murphy of North Smithfield High School, of  the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center and and Billy Daophaouthenh of Woonsocket High School.

Samborsky of North Smithfield played hockey and soccer team for MSC and was a peer tutor and student mentor. He also volunteered at the Providence Community Health Center.

Gonera is a member of the National Honor Society. She was Student Council vice president, the Youth Leadership Association vice president and the Spanish Club co-corresponding secretary. She also volunteered for “Organizing for America.”

Murphy was the state DECA vice president, Student Council president and a national finalist in the “We the People” competition. He will be a judge for the “We the People” state competition.

Tellier was secretary of Student Council, editor of the yearbook, a member of the Robotics Club and the International Thespian Society. Velez was a member of the Culinary Arts Club and the Recycle Crew and volunteered at events such as AutumnFest.

Williams was in band and chorus, an ambassador in , a youth development program; and co-coordinator of the Autism Benefit.

Keophoxay led volunteer projects with the Salvation Army and the Laotian Temple. Daophaouthenh's most prominent project was his work volunteering with the local Laotian community.

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 ranging from Barrington High to Woonsocket High nominated seniors for the honor. This is the fifth consecutive year Mollis has presented the awards.

Mollis last visited with Woonsocket students during a last April, which he holds at high schools throughout Rhode Island.