PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea recognized two individuals and three institutions with the 2016 NASS Medallion Award at a ceremony held this afternoon at the State House.
State Senator Harold M. Metts of Providence; Ani Haroian of Providence; DominicanosUSA; Generation Citizen; and the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans all received the NASS Medallion Award from Secretary Gorbea.
"Rhode Island is fortunate to have such a diverse group of community leaders," Secretary Gorbea said. "Leaders who inspire Rhode Islanders from all walks of life into taking a more active role in their community."
President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva-Weed and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello also addressed the gathering and praised the honorees.
President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed said, "The Senate extends its sincere congratulations to all of today's NASS Medallion Award recipients. These organizations and individuals, including Senator Harold Metts, truly exemplify outstanding civic leadership, from the classroom to the community. We are grateful for their dedication and service."
Senator Metts was recognized for his leadership in civil rights and civic education; Ani Haroian was recognized for her efforts as a leading national advocate for Armenian American issues and for dedicating more than three decades of her life to promoting civic participation across Rhode Island; DominicanosUSA was recognized for its work to register thousands of Latinos and for their part in helping to push for legislation that made Online Voter Registration law in Rhode Island; Generation Citizen was recognized for their work to ensure that all students receive an effective action civics education; and the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans were recognized for their role in increasing civic participation among Chinese Americans and other Americans of Asian descent across the state of Rhode Island.
"Today's honorees remind us that civic participation is critical to our success as a state," Secretary Gorbea added. "As leaders we must create the opportunities for all Rhode Islanders to be a part of the conversations that affect them."
The NASS Medallion award was created by the National Association of Secretaries of State to recognize outstanding public service and civic engagement. Secretaries of State are given the opportunity to award up to five NASS Medallions each year to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated remarkable civic leadership in their state. Founded in 1904, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) is the oldest nonpartisan, professional association of public officials in the United States.
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