State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D‑104th) joined State Senator Joe Crisco (D‑17th) and State Representative Len Greene (R‑105th) in honoring the Ansonia High School Human Relations Club at the State Capitol in Hartford.
“These young people have acted as ambassadors of our city and have done Ansonia proud by demonstrating that they are not afraid of commitment and hard work to make our world a better place. Embracing diversity, reducing racism, and eliminating prejudice and fear is so important to providing our children and families a healthy community,” Rep. Gentile stated. “The club and award winners have my utmost admiration. I applaud their accomplishments and I thank their advisors for their support.”
Among the students honored at the Capitol was Danielle Todd, President of the Ansonia High School Human Relations Cub, winner of the 2011 Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Connecticut. Princeton University sponsors an annual awards program for high school students who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations.
“I join residents of Ansonia and all those affiliated with Ansonia High School and its Human Relations Club with congratulations for Danielle Todd, Connecticut’s winner of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations this year,” Senator Crisco said. “As president of the Human Relations Club and de facto coordinator of its interracial, intergenerational, and anti-bullying initiatives, Danielle Todd embodies the concept of harmonious co-existence and I commend her willingness and ability to do so.”
Danielle is the second grand prize winner of the Princeton Prize award from the Ansonia High School Human Relations Club in the last three years. In 2009, Ewa Januszkiewicz, won the award and was also recognized at the Capitol.
Rep Gentile said, “To have one award winner is significant; to have two winners in three years is enormously significant. There is no doubt that these students, as well as all the members of this club are making a positive impact.”
“I’m very proud to be able to recognize such fine young students for their exemplary efforts to promote diversity and end discrimination in our community,” Rep. Greene said. “These students have chosen to take up the mantle of responsibility by leading the way on incredibly important issues. I only hope that we can follow their lead to affect real change and make our great society that much better.”
The Ansonia High School Human Relations Club (HRC) is a student-run-organization with more than 65 members, where student leaders plan, organize, and run all aspects of the club. The major activities of the HRC are designed to reduce prejudice and discrimination and to increase cultural, religious, racial, and ethnic awareness. The HRC provides students the opportunity to strive for their “highest level of humanity” through club activities and development of leadership skills and abilities.
