Photo Caption: North High School seniors Lilianna Medeiros (left) and Chelsea Okantey (right) were named recipients of the Dr. George Storms Smith Community Award and Isaiah Thomas Youth Community Service Award respectively. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS Communications)
WORCESTER, MASS. — Thursday, January 15, 2026 — North High School seniors Lilianna Medeiros and Chelsea Okantey were named recipients of local youth community service awards recognizing leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to serving others.
“I am extremely proud of Chelsea and Lilianna, and of the dedication, leadership, and character they demonstrate each day,” said North High Principal Dr. Sam FanFan. “Their commitment to excellence both academically and through service reflects the very best of our school community.”
“Chelsea and Lilianna highlight what it means to be a North High student,” said head guidance counselor Travis Sullivan. “They each exemplify a strong desire in community service, their academics are extraordinary, and their commitment in helping others helps make our school a more cohesive place.”
Lilianna Medeiros Named Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award Recipient
Lilianna Medeiros will be presented with the 2026 Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award at Worcester State University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast on January 17.
The award recognizes a Worcester youth, age 20 or younger, who exemplifies the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through distinguished community service and academic achievement.
“It means a lot,” Lilianna said. “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.”
A first-generation college-bound student, Lilianna has excelled in Honors and Advanced Placement courses while balancing responsibilities outside of school. Through the Worcester Early College High School Program, she has earned more than 12 college credits and maintained Honor Roll status.
Lilianna has supported her community through creative and service-based efforts, including an art project that raised awareness about the addictive nature of vaping. She also volunteered with the Worcester East Middle School theater program by building props for student productions at North High.
“Liliana is a wonderful student who consistently demonstrates compassion, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility to others,” said Principal FanFan. “Her dedication to community service goes well beyond expectations, and her genuine commitment to making a positive impact on those around her is inspiring to both her peers and staff.”
Motivated by her experiences, Lilianna plans to pursue Psychology, with the goal of advocating for mental health awareness and supporting others through service.
“Everything I’ve been through has taught me to never give up. I want to use my experiences to help others and to show that where you come from doesn’t determine how far you can go,” Lilianna said.
Chelsea Okantey Receives Inaugural Isaiah Thomas Youth Community Service Award
Chelsea Okantey has been named the 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. This marks the inaugural year the award has been presented.
Named in honor of Isaiah Thomas – one of Worcester’s most influential early civic leaders — the award recognizes youth who demonstrate community spirit, leadership, and civic responsibility.
“I feel very honored,” Chelsea said. “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. Telling my family I won something brought them so much joy, both here and in Ghana.”
Chelsea immigrated to the United States from Ghana at the start of high school and has excelled academically and through service. She holds a 4.44 weighted GPA, has completed Honors, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Early College coursework, and will graduate with 12 college credits from Quinsigamond Community College while completing a Health Science internship at UMass Memorial Hospital.
Chelsea 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.
“Chelsea is a wonderful student and a true leader within our school community,” said Principal FanFan. “Chelsea sets a powerful example for her peers, and we are incredibly proud of her and the positive difference she continues to make.”
Chelsea plans to pursue medical school, and has been accepted into 10 colleges already. As part of the award, she will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship to support her future academic pursuits.
“I hope I can continue to help others through raising funds and diving deeper into leadership roles while in college. I have also been doing research about how to further introduce myself into the Worcester community and outside of Worcester as well,” Chelsea said.