Class of 2016 president Melikian to share memories

Gillian Melikian will preside over Johnston High School’s graduation ceremony tomorrow night inside the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Although the title of doctor is perhaps years away for the Johnston senior – who will enroll at Providence College in September to pursue pre-med studies – guidance department chair Debbie Licciardi said Melikian is “focused, an excellent leader, and a self-directed student with big dreams.”

Tomorrow night, Melikian will give the most important speech of her young life, as one of the honors that goes along with being president of the senior class is delivering the keynote address at graduation. She will be at center stage congratulating her fellow Panthers and recalling the class of 2016’s historic journey on Cherry Hill.

“The majority of my speech will focus on summarizing the spirited events our class has participated in over the past four years,” Melikian told the Sun Rise. “I’ll talk about the float competitions, Battle of the Classes, spirit days, while also reflecting on special memories that we have all shared together as the graduating class.”

“Gillian is an inspiring student who is humble, compassionate, and has been involved in school and her community throughout her high school career,” Licciardi said.

“Gillian has a very bright future,” Principal Zachary S. Farrell said, adding: “She has distinguished herself not only as a scholar but as a leader among her peers, which speaks volumes, and has done so with the utmost grace and elegance.”

That’s why people like Farrell, as well as Licciardi, Mary Vingi, and Ryan Barrette, will have a difficult time bidding adieu to Melikian.

Melikian held a part-time job at TJ Maxx while taking dance and karate classes and playing soccer. She also displayed academic excellence in form of being named to the prestigious Johnston High chapter of the National Honor Society.

Melikian has been part of the class of 2016’s annual float competition all four years at Johnston High, as well as the Student Council, Junior National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, SADD, and lacrosse.

She was recently honored with the Excellence in Social Studies Award, the Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee Leadership Award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Rhode Island Red Sox Scholarship. 1