WORCESTER—Two North High School seniors earned local community service awards recognizing their leadership, academic achievement and a commitment to serving others.
Lilianna Medeiros and Chelsea Okantey were named recipients of the Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award and the Isaiah Thomas Youth Community Service Award, respectively, according to a recent announcement from the Worcester Public Schools.
“I am extremely proud of Chelsea and Lilianna, and of the dedication, leadership and character they demonstrate each day,” North High Principal Dr. Sam FanFan said in a statement. “Their commitment to excellence both academically and through service reflects the very best of our school community.”
Head guidance counselor Travis Sullivan echoed the sentiment, adding that the two students “highlight what it means to be a North High student,” citing their academic performance, service and impact on the school community.
Medeiros received the 2026 Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award at Worcester State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast on Jan. 17. The award recognizes a Worcester youth age 20 or younger who exemplifies the teachings of MLK through community service and academic achievement.
“It means a lot,” Medeiros said in the announcement. “It makes me happy knowing with the home-life I have had, taking care of family and being very busy outside of school, I am still recognized for all I do in school.”
According to WPS, Medeiros is a first-generation college-bound student who has taken honors and advanced placement courses while earning more than 12 college credits through the Worcester Early College High School Program.
She’s also kept her honor roll status and contributed to the community through service projects, including an art initiative focused on raising awareness about vaping. She has also volunteered with the Worcester East Middle School theater program, helping build props for student productions at North High.
In the announcement, FanFan described Medeiros as “a wonderful student who consistently demonstrates compassion, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility to others.”
Medeiros plans to pursue psychology, with the goal of advocating for mental health awareness, the district said.
Chelsea Okantey was named the inaugural recipient of the Isaiah Thomas Youth Community Service Award, presented by the Isaiah Thomas Awards Selection Committee in partnership with the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. The award honors youth who demonstrate community spirit, leadership and civic responsibility.
“I feel very honored,” Okantey said in the release. “I do what I do because I love helping out. I was not expecting any award for helping people so it was just such a great honor.”
Okantey immigrated to the United States from Ghana at the start of high school and has excelled academically and through service, according to WPS. She holds a 4.44 weighted GPA and has completed honors, advanced placement, dual enrollment and early college coursework. She’ll ultimately graduate with 12 college credits from Quinsigamond Community College while completing a Health Science internship at UMass Memorial Hospital.
She has completed more than 200 hours of community service and serves as secretary of the National Honor Society and president of the Bring Change 2 Mind Club. She is also involved in student council, the Black Student Union and GEAR UP, the district said.
“Chelsea is a wonderful student and a true leader within our school community,” FanFan said in the announcement. “Chelsea sets a powerful example for her peers.”
Okantey plans to pursue medical school and has been accepted to 10 colleges already, according to the district. As part of the award, she receives a $1,000 scholarship to support her education.
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