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Portsmouth honors Ashley Murphy as U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate; Melville earns RIDE five-star rating
Summary
The school committee recognized PHS senior Ashley Murphy for selection to the United States Senate Youth Program and celebrated Melville School's five-star designation from the Rhode Island Department of Education, with students and principals speaking at the meeting.
Portsmouth School Committee members recognized Portsmouth High School senior Ashley Murphy after she was named one of two Rhode Island delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program and presented Melville School with formal congratulations for earning a five-star rating in the Rhode Island Department of Education's 2024 accountability system.
Dr. Kenworthy said Ashley will join a national delegation that attends briefings and meetings with federal officials and noted each delegate receives a $10,000 college scholarship. "Ashley has a long list of achievements," Dr. Kenworthy said, listing Ashley's service in the National Honor Society, model UN, student civics liaison roles and other activities.
The committee also recognized Melville School for earning the highest 5-star designation in RIDE's accountability system — one of only 20 schools statewide in 2024 to do so. Principal Lori (name provided in meeting materials as Principal Lori) thanked the committee and introduced three fourth-grade students who addressed the committee about their experience at Melville.
Fourth-grader Aiden Jones said: "I remember walking through those school doors in preschool, and I have no regrets because on that day, my Melville career began, and I love Melville. I am beyond happy for Melville getting 5 stars." Zoe, another fourth-grader, told the committee Melville "made it so it didn't feel that way" during COVID and described the school as a "positive place where kids are encouraged to be kids." Hunter Underwood, who has lived in multiple places because his father is in the Navy, said of Melville: "With all the different schools I've been to, Melville has been the best." Committee members and a former Melville principal offered congratulations.
Ending: The recognitions concluded the committee's student-centered items for the evening; district leaders noted the strategic-plan draft and other business would follow on the agenda.
