Bellport High School student Gionnah Hicks was one of 100 students countywide who received a Suffolk County Summer Youth Award for Leadership Ability from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. 

Over the summer, Gionnah participated in Suffolk County’s Summer Youth Work Experience Program, where she performed administrative and clerical duties for the Butterfly Effect Project, a non-profit organization that empowers young women. In conjunction with the county’s Department of Labor, the Butterfly Effect Program is housed in the First Baptist Church of Riverhead, under the direction of executive director Tia Fulford and Pastor Cynthia Liggon. The goal of the program is to provide girls with marketable skills and job readiness training.
 
Pastor Liggon described Gionnah as exceptional, a quick learner and well-spoken. She noted that Gionnah’s ability to secure and schedule professionals for the Butterfly Effect Program’s job readiness training seminars was remarkable. 

“Gionnah is the most stellar worker and is most deserving of this award,” Pastor Liggon said.