Recognizing youth leadership and service to school, community, peers
On Monday, April 24, 2023, the St. Augustine City Commission will recognize St. Johns County high schools graduating seniors for their leadership and service to school, community, and to other students.
The 2023 Citizenship Awards presentation will take place at the beginning of the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting at 5:00pm in The Alcazar Room of City Hall, located at 75 King St. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live online at www.CityStAugTV.com. The meeting will be available on-demand online the day following the ceremony.
Award recipients are selected by each participating school and receive a commemorative plaque, a city lapel pin, and $200 to assist with further educational endeavors.
The 2023 Citizenship Award recipients are:
Rosie Carmichael, Pedro Menendez High School: 2023 Senior Class President, National Honor Society member, Three years on the Pedro Menendez Swim Team, Superintendent's Advisory Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletic Leadership Council.
Rosie is a Peer Minister. After graduation she wants to attend a military college and enlist in the military as an intelligence officer.
Molly Coolican, Bartram Trail High School: LINK crew leader, National Honor Society, Dreams Come True, Spanish Club, ASL Club (President), High-Q Trivia Team, Marching Band (Head Drum Major).
Molly volunteers at Westminster Woods serving food and in the activity center. After graduation she hopes to become a defense attorney and give a voice to those who need one.
Paisley Crook, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Deaf High School: Class of 2023 President, Captain of the Volleyball team and Academic bowl team.
Paisley is a mentor to her fellow students. After graduation she would like to attend college and study political science.
Hope Freedman, Ponte Vedra High School: Co-President of JaxTHRIVE, a youth led nonprofit that tutors and mentors refugee youth, President of the PVHS Generation WOW Club, an organization that empowers girls through mentorship, service-based projects, and leadership development, member of the Cross Country team, Model UN and Honor Societies.
Hope founded the WOW Period Project which provides menstrual supplies to all St. Johns County school restrooms with 6th-12th graders. She is undecided on what school to attend, but she plans to attend college and earn a liberal arts degree and then on to law school.
Tabitha Gottipati, Nease High School: National Honor Society, Nease Athletic Council, Science National Honor Society, National Hispanic Honor Society, MU Alpha Theta, Battle of the Books/Panther Reads, Nease Soccer and Nease Tennis Team.
Tabitha is a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team Member. She wants to go to college to be a Mechanical Engineer with a possibility of Aeronautic Engineering.
LilyRose Heng Yun Sarchie-Casamassima , Tocoi Creek High School: Active member of National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Cancer Kids First Organization, Asian-Pacific American Islander Club, Book Club, Link Crew, & Sources of Strength, TCHS 2023 Salutatorian.
LilyRose Raised over $5,000 for Cancer Kids First and has completed numerous NHS service projects including free tutoring to students in need. After graduation LilyRose plans to attend Florida State University and enroll in the pre-nursing program. Her goal is to earn a masters of nursing prior to practicing.
Nikalas Orleskie, St. Joseph Academy : Vice President of the Veterans Heritage Project, Co-president of American Sign Language Honor Society, National honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Varsity Swim Team and Bee Club.
Nikakas has signed the National Anthem for students athletes of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. After graduation Nikalas plans to attend the University of North Florida , majoring in business.
Bailey Thomas, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, Blind High School: Leadership council Founding Member, Class President, Student Council member, Yearbook Club Chief Editor , Book Club, Keyboard/PIANO Lessons, Guitar Lessons, Young Life, Art Expression Club, Creative Writing Club, National Honor Society.
Bailey is a Student Guide and works with one student almost every day to help her get to class. Bailey has been accepted to, and plans to attend, Florida State University. She would like to pursue her master's in social work, attend an online certification program for animal-assisted therapy upon completion of her social work goal, and open her own practice as well as contract her services to schools, hospitals, and more
Ava Willets, St. Augustine High School: Leads the Florida Future Educators Association, Link Crew, Three years in theatre at St Johns County Center for the Arts
Ava works for St. Johns County Parks and Recreation department assisting with summer camp and working with the children, she also volunteers for Girl's on the run at Crookshank elementary school. After graduation Ava will attend the university of North Florida and work to obtain a Master's Degree in Education. Ava wants to obtain her license to teach digital art.
Paige Wilson, Creekside High School: Intern for Creekside High School IT Specialist, NEHS Valentine cards for staff; holiday food drive, Best Buddies Friendship walk, Best Buddies Talent Show, ASL Caroling and Acts of Joy club.
Paige volunteers with Haven Hospice and is a volunteer softball coach for Creeks 9-10 year old team. After Graduation she is undecided between USF, UCF or St. Johns River with the intent to transfer and majoring in Public Relations and/or advertising
For additional information about the Citizenship Awards, contact Cori Niles, Event and Venue Coordinator, at 904.825.1004 or via email at events@citystaug.com.