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Portsmouth honors PHS Senate‑Youth delegate and Melville earns state 5‑star designation; students speak at meeting
Summary
The committee recognized PHS senior Ashley Murphy’s selection to the U.S. Senate Youth Program and celebrated Melville School’s five‑star rating from the Rhode Island Department of Education; Melville students and student‑council officers addressed the committee with brief remarks and school updates.
The Portsmouth School Committee recognized Portsmouth High School senior Ashley Murphy after she was named one of two Rhode Island representatives to the United States Senate Youth Program and awarded a $10,000 scholarship as part of the program.
Dr. Kenworthy summarized Murphy’s activities and achievements, noting she serves as secretary of communications for the National Honor Society, is a page at the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and participates in model UN and student civics programs. "Ashley has a long list of achievements," Dr. Kenworthy said.
The committee also officially recognized Melville School for earning a five‑star designation in the Rhode Island Department of Education’s 2024 accountability system. Principal Lori and several students attended and spoke to the committee. Principal Lori described the rating as a milestone for Portsmouth and thanked staff, families and students for their work.
Three Melville fourth graders spoke to the committee about their experiences. Aiden Jones said, "I love Melville," and described how school expectations help students handle challenges that began with pandemic‑era kindergarten. Zoe (fourth grade) thanked teachers and staff for making school feel like a family. Hunter Underwood, who moved frequently because his father is in the Navy, said Melville’s teachers and students made him feel welcome and described the school as “the best” of the many schools he has attended.
Student‑council officers from Portsmouth High School gave a short update on events and activities, including report card timing, a regional art exhibit, a winter signing event for athletes, a bake sale fundraiser, scholarship application deadlines and emergency‑decision protocols for school weather closures.
Why it matters: The recognitions underscore district academic and extracurricular achievements: a PHS student has been selected to a national program that includes meetings with federal officials and a scholarship, and Melville’s five‑star rating places it among the top schools in the state.
Ending: The committee applauded students and staff, and staff noted presentations and recognitions would be included in district communications; no formal actions were required for the recognitions.
