Daniela Muralles Mendez, a senior at the Met School, has received a John Lewis Youth Leadership Award for her work expanding access to Rhode Island State House tours.
Secretary of State Gregg Amore presented the award at an Oct. 27 ceremony in the State Library, according to the Department of State's announcement.
Muralles Mendez has interned with the department for nearly two and a half years through the Met's internship-based learning program. As a tour guide, she developed Spanish-language tours and added information about women and people of color in Rhode Island history.
The department said she contacted elementary schools in Providence and Pawtucket with high percentages of students learning English and has given more than 25 tours in Spanish.
The National Association of Secretaries of State's youth award recognizes civic leadership and work to improve communities. Amore also presented separate medallion awards to five individuals and organizations for work in voting access, voting rights, history and small-business lending.