Two Teens, Former Mayor Recognized by Newport Prevention Coalition

NEWPORT, RI—Two graduating seniors at Rogers High School and a former mayor have been awarded for their work on substance abuse prevention.

The Newport Prevention Coalition on Tuesday announced the winners of this years' 2016 Youth Community Service award and the Jeanne Brown Community Service Award.

From the Newport Prevention Coalition:

The 2016  Youth Community Service award is being given to two teens graduating and living within the city of Newport. The North Family Trust generously provides the two $1000 awards. The NPC has been awarding this scholarship for more than 20 years.  We are proud to say that this year’s awards are being given to two Rogers  students, Jennifer Ruiz and Elizabeth Murphy. 

Jennifer Riuz is a senior at Rogers going on to the University Of RI. She has a diverse resume that covers JROTC to the National Center for Women and Technology. This outstanding youth has been a mentor and a leader who has earned the respect of her peers. I am glad to say that I have worked alongside her. 

Elizabeth Murphy is a senior at Rogers moving on to College of Charleston. Elizabeth has a resume that includes leadership of the student council and caption of her soccer team. Any adult associated with the leadership of Rogers has heard her name mentioned in many different situations. I was glad to meet her as the president of the Students Against Drunk Driving, were her leadership lead to change in her school. 

The 2015 Jeanne Brown Community service Award is given to a person in the Newport community who, through their dedication and stewardship, has had a positive impact on the city in the area of substance abuse prevention. The 2016 Jeannie Brown award is being given to former Mayor David Roderick. We are celebrating David’s accomplishments by naming a day for him. Tuesday May 17 was David Roderick  Day.

Roderick has been a community leader for many years, and most who know City Hall know of his work. I had the pleasure of work with him when he was the Board Chair of the Task Force and then the Newport Prevention Coalition. I saw a dedication to this community and commitment to its citizens.  David has been a Council person, Mayor of Newport, lifetime member of the US Jaycee, and chair of the Henderson Home board of Commissioners. This is only some of the work David has done for the community.

The Newport Prevention Coalition (NPC) shall act as an advisory committee to the City of Newport to assist in the acquisition and implementation of substance abuse prevention programs. These programs must endeavor to improve to improve the quality of life for Newport residents, particularly youth, through a coordinated prevention approach.