NORTH SMITHFIELD – A young woman from North Smithfield was acknowledged this week by Gov. Dan McKee for her role at his inauguration ceremony with a certificate of special recognition.
Kelsey Alves, at 10th grade student at Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, accepted the citation from the North Smithfield Town Council at their meeting on Monday, May 3.
Alves held the North Smithfield town flag at Mckee’s ceremonial inauguration on Sunday, March 14.
“In honor of your zealous volunteer contribution to embody the town of North Smithfield at the swearing in ceremony of behalf of the town of North Smithfield and the state of Rhode Island, thank you for being a model representation for the community,” the recognition, signed by McKee read. “Take a moment to reflect upon your accomplishments and take pride in knowing that you are an important member of our community.”
Town Council President John Beauregard pointed out that she also volunteered for four days at the town’s vaccination clinics, even working to coordinate others in her age group willing to give some of their time.
“Your contributions were very much appreciated,” Beauregard said to the 16-year-old.
Alves is the daughter of Council Vice President Kimberly Alves, who herself has spent countless hours volunteering at Town Hall since January, coordinating vaccine appointments, according to Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski. The councilor told NRI NOW that daughter Kelsey even took over her role entering appointments in the Rhode Island Department of Health database for several days.
Councilor Claire O’Hara noted that Kelsey is also her former student.
“May this admiration help you be representation for your community and may it bring more recognition to you and others,” the citation stated, signed, “in deepest gratitude and admiration for all your hard work and loyalty.”
