The setting, people like Johnston Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bernard DiLullo emphasized, was perfect for announcing the Senior High School’s Class of 2021’s Top Ten Students.
DiLullo was joined by Principal Dr. Donna M. Pennacchia, Assistant Principal Dr. Amy Burns, Director of Guidance Deborah Licciardi and Technology Integration Specialist Stacey Landi.
“Janice would have been proud of these students,” DiLullo said. “She always wanted the very best education possible for all the children that attend Johnston Public Schools.”
The brief ceremony featured Johnston State Rep. Deborah A. Fellela, who presented official State of Rhode Island Citations to each of the Top Ten Students, and was held inside the Janice D. Mele Memorial Library.
The library was named for the late and highly-respected School Committee chairwoman for her tireless works of more than a dozen or so years.
“Janice was a champion of education,” DiLullo said. “The same holds true for Rep. Fellela who has always been a strong supporter of academic and education excellence. I’m sure it was an honor for our students to receive the citations from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.”
The superintendent then paused, while emphasizing: “I am very proud of the Johnston High School Top Ten Students. These students persevered for two very difficult years. It takes great effort to be at the top of our class during a typical year. These students did it while learning in-person at times and at home at times. Life disruption did not get in the way of their academic pursuits.”
DiLullo also praised “the Johnston High School faculty and staff for providing quality education to their students which supports their success.”
“I think it’s also important to recognize the family support these students received every day,” he said. “Without that, it is that much more of a challenge to achieve top honors.”
Pennacchia, meanwhile, said the Class of 2021’s Top Ten Students “are an inspiration to all of us. These students exemplify what it means to persevere. The last year and a half has been quite a challenge, but being able to share in what they have accomplished is a blessing.”
Fellela presented the citations, each encased in a leather-like folder, to the students.
“I’m honored to be here today and honor these great Johnston High School students for their hard work, dedication and many successes,” Fellela said.
Each of the personalized citations read, in part: “Be it hereby known to all that the Rhode Island House of Representatives herby offers its sincerest congratulations to (student’s name) for outstanding academic achievement of being named Johnston High School Class of 2021 Top Ten Student.”
The citations were signed by K. Joseph Shekarchi, Speaker of the House; Christopher R. Blazejewski, House Majority Leader; and Blake A. Filippi, House Minority Leader.
The Top Ten Students, and the respective schools they will attend to continue their education, included: 1. Kayla Aquilante, URI; 2. Audry Mahony, Smith College; 3. Nicholas Petrillo, Boston College; 4. Grace Centracchio, Boston University; 5. Trista Clarke, Northeastern University; 6. Derek Papa, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; 7. Leila Harrington, URI; 8. Vanessa Melgar, URI; 9. Nicholas Cronan, Johnson & Wales University; and 10. Olaitan Olagundoye, Quinnipiac University.
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