Here's the press release:

STUDENT LEADERS HONORED AT 42nd ANNUAL YOUTH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Students from across North Carolina recognized for service, commitment

RALEIGH – More than a dozen student leaders were recognized with special honors during the 42nd annual Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA), which was held March 23-25 in Raleigh. About 225 students from across the state participated in the event, which was presented by the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office of the N.C. Department of Administration.

The Richard White Leadership Award, named after a 1996 YLA Tri-Speaker, is given to the senior-ranking members of the YLA Leadership Team who demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills. Honorees include Ilana Green of Raleigh Charter High School; Davon Moore of Conley High School, Grimesland; and Ryan Burke of Page High School, Greensboro.

The Sud-Freemark Award of Service honors students who have participated in the Youth Legislative Assembly for four years, with three of those years being on the leadership team. The 2012 recipients are Angelica Mack of Salem Academy, Winston-Salem, and Joshua Llodrat of Ledford High School, High Point.

The Jaime and Josh DeBottis Award of Service recognizes a student who has dedicated three years of service to the Youth Legislative Assembly and the State Youth Council. The 2012 recipient is Joshua Llodrat of Ledford High School, High Point.

The Jimmy Gibbs Award, named for a 1980 YLA Tri-speaker, is given each year to the delegate from each committee who added the most to the discussion by asking questions, helping to rewrite bills and being creative and inspiring. The 2012 honorees include:

Children and Family: Khadijah Curry of Fayetteville, Cape Fear High School
Civil Rights: Brandon Paul of Lexington, South Davidson High School
Education: Kimberly Duarte of Bladenboro, West Bladen High School
Environment: Harrison Jones of Roxboro, Roxboro Community School
Health Affairs: Christopher “Clay” Ayers of Denton, South Davidson High
Human Sexuality: Jessica Locklear of Red Springs, Hoke High School
Judiciary: Rebecca Brady of Fayetteville, Cape Fear High School
Science and Technology: Nasr Mohamed of Clinton, Clinton High School
Substance Abuse: Laurence Daw of Pittsboro, Woods Charter School
Youth Affairs: Morgan Roberson of Rougemont, Person High School


The Shivani Sud Foundation Scholarship covers the cost for one student to attend YLA and is given in honor of Shivani Sud, 2008 YLA Tri-Speaker. This year’s recipient was Soji Ademiluyi of Holly Springs, a student at Wake N.C. State University STEM Early College.

A special service award was given in appreciation to Teiashonna Autry of West Bladen High School, White Oak, for her outstanding dedication and service as YLA Clerk for 2011 and 2012.