PROVIDENCE, RI –Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis will recognize a Pawtucket educator with his office’s highest honor for his leadership launching a statewide mock election initiative that involved nearly 25 percent of the state's public high schools.
Mike Connolly will receive the National Association of Secretaries of State’s 2010 Medallion Award at a presentation ceremony at Shea High School, where he leads the school's Government and Public Administration Academy.
“I am grateful to Mike for his commitment to this important campaign. The dividends from this initiative will be felt for years to come as these students get involved in the life of their communities,” said Mollis.
Under the "Voters in the Classroom" campaign, students picked eight crucial questions ranging from legalizing marijuana to same-sex marriage to put on a mock statewide referendum ballot, established voting procedures through classroom discussions and assemblies and staffed polling places at their schools.
Among the high schools that are participated are Barrington, Chariho, Cranston West, East Greenwich, Exeter-West Greenwich, North Providence, Scituate, Warwick Vets, West Warwick and Shea.
WHERE & WHEN: Thursday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m. in the Shea High School Library, 485 East Ave., Pawtucket.
HIGHLIGHTS: See Connolly accept the award in front of his peers. Ask the students who participated in the project what they learned. Talk with Mollis about the award.
#####
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Barnett at 222-4293 or cbarnett@sos.ri.gov