NNPS Secondary STAR Awards recognize students, organizations
Posted: April 29, 2025
The Newport News Public Schools Youth Development Department held its annual recognition for students and student organizations that exemplify the characteristics of student leadership and volunteerism. The STAR-Students Taking Action and Responsibility-Awards are given each year.
During the Secondary STAR Awards Banquet on April 29 at the Newport News Marriott, middle and high school students representing clubs and organizations were honored for their leadership and volunteerism.
Amarion Lucas, a senior at Heritage High School, served as master of ceremonies. School Board member Maritsa Alger gave opening remarks and provided the introduction.
"Being selected as STAR honorees means that you have given your time," Alger said. "It means that you exemplified great creativity and innovation.
"It means that you displayed great collaboration to accomplish your goals. And, that you have given of yourself for a greater good."
Attendees included Delegate Chad Green, Delegate Shelly Simonds, City Councilman Rob Coleman and School Board member Gary Hunter.
Featured students who presented the awards were Cameron Clark, an eighth grader at Passage Middle School; Erin MacLuskie, a seventh grader at Gildersleeve Middle School; Chaniya Painter, a senior at An Achievable Dream High School and Aniya Agron, a senior at Menchville High School.
"Our STAR Award honorees are shining examples of what youth development looks like in our school division," Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell said in her closing remarks.
