NNPS Elementary STAR awards honor student leaders
Posted: June 11, 2024
The Newport News Public Schools Youth Development Department held its annual STAR Awards recognition for elementary school students who demonstrate the characteristics of student leadership and volunteerism, and also honored two elementary school with STAND awards. The STAR-Students Taking Action and Responsibility-Awards are given each year.
Two hundred and forty students, 10 from each NNPS elementary school, were honored for their leadership and volunteerism at the Elementary STAR Awards Banquet on June 11.
Featured students who provided the welcome and reflections were Madisyn Carey, a 2024 Heritage High School graduate, and Hilton Elementary School fourth grader Kaylor Beale. Carver Elementary School fifth grader Alexa Mendozo-Mancera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Carissa Pringle, an 11th grader at Warwick High School who volunteers in elementary schools, presented the awards along with 2024 Denbigh High School graduate Brock Rash.
"NNPS continues to set the standard for empowering students at every grade level," Pringle said. "The students you will see today, standing here on stage in a few minutes, are just a small representation of all the students here in our school division who are making an extraordinary impact in their schools and communities."
Music was provided by the Crimson Thunder Drumline from Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School.
"Students, I thank you for what you do and for serving as role models," said Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. "Being selected to represent your school is a great accomplishment. It means that you are committed to improving the community around you."
The 2023-2024 STAND awards were presented to B.C. Charles Elementary School and Hilton Elementary School for their demonstrated commitment to the district's anti-bullying and harassment STAND program principles of promoting a positive school culture and creating a sense of belonging for all students.
