New Bedford City Council issues citations for animal control officer, student athletes, athletic director and local restaurant

The New Bedford City Council on April 8 adopted a series of honorary resolutions recognizing city and regional athletes, a city animal control officer, the New Bedford High School athletic director and a local restaurant.

Among the citations, the council honored New Bedford Animal Control Officer Shelley Avila as the 2024 Massachusetts Animal Control Officer of the Year. The resolution, moved by Councilor Ryan Perera and seconded by Councilor Sean Oliver, was approved by voice vote. Councilors praised Avila’s work on animal rescue, community clinics and interagency coordination; Deputy Chief Derek Belong and other colleagues attended. “I couldn’t do this without Ray Manny or Brandon,” Avila said, thanking her team and city partners.

The council also adopted citations recognizing student athletes: Kendra Santiago, a senior at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, was honored as the 2024 South Coast women’s soccer player of the year; Serenity Coleman of New Bedford High School was recognized for winning the Division 1 state championship in the 50‑yard freestyle; and Niolanus (Ni´a) Smith, a New Bedford High School junior, was cited for winning the Division 1 state championship in the weight throw. Coaches and school officials described academic and athletic accomplishments alongside the honors. Athletic Director Thomas Tarpy noted that Kendra Santiago was recently accepted to Harvard and described her as “the total package.”

The council also recognized Zuma de la Cruz Carrillo, a New Bedford High School junior, as the first female from the school to qualify for a Division 1 wrestling team; coach and staff praised her persistence and leadership. The council presented Athletic Director Thomas Tarpy with a separate citation after he was selected as the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association Athletic Director of the Year; colleagues credited his work supporting student athletes across sports programs.

Finally, the council adopted a citation congratulating New Beige restaurant on its first year in New Bedford; co‑manager Ariana Souza accepted the recognition on behalf of owners and staff and thanked the city for support. The motion to adopt that resolution was moved by Councilor Linda Morad and seconded by Councilor Derek Baptiste and carried by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution honoring Shelley Avila as 2024 Massachusetts Animal Control Officer of the Year — motion to adopt by Councilor Ryan Perera, seconded by Councilor Sean Oliver; outcome: approved by voice vote (roll‑call tally not recorded in transcript).

- Resolution honoring Kendra Santiago as 2024 South Coast women’s soccer player of the year — motion to adopt by Councilor Ryan Perera, seconded by Councilor Sean Oliver; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Resolution honoring Serenity Coleman for winning the Division 1 50‑yard freestyle — motion to adopt by Councilor Ryan Perera, seconded by Councilor Sean Oliver; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Resolution honoring Niolanus Smith for winning the Division 1 state championship weight throw — motion to adopt by Councilor Linda Morad, seconded by Councilor Maria Giesta; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Resolution honoring Zuma de la Cruz Carrillo as the first female New Bedford High School student to qualify for Division 1 wrestling — motion to adopt by Councilor Ryan Perera, seconded by Councilor Ian Abreu; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Resolution recognizing Thomas Tarpy as MSSADA Athletic Director of the Year — motion to adopt by Councilor Ian Abreu, seconded by Councilor Carney; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Resolution honoring New Beige restaurant on its first anniversary — motion to adopt by Councilor Linda Morad, seconded by Councilor Derek Baptiste; outcome: approved by voice vote.

All motions above were recorded in the meeting as adopted by voice vote; the transcript does not contain roll‑call vote tallies.

The citations were ceremonial; none created binding obligations or budgetary changes. Several honorees were not present and had representatives accept on their behalf; coaches and school officials provided short remarks about the athletes’ achievements.