PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore presented civic awards to five people and organizations and to a high school student at a State House ceremony, his office said.

Amore gave Medallion Awards from the National Association of Secretaries of State, which the group says recognize excellence in elections, civic education, state government services and philanthropy.

The honorees included Chris Butler, executive director of IN-SIGHT, formerly the Rhode Island Association for the Blind, who for several years has transcribed ballots into Braille so visually impaired voters can cast them privately and independently, according to the secretary of state's office.

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha was recognized for his office's work on voting rights, including a "Know Your Rights" guide and handling of voter complaints. Amore's office noted that Neronha's office is defending Amore in a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Justice Department seeking private voter information, an effort Amore's office called unconstitutional.

Other medallion recipients were Jeffrey Emidy, executive director of the state Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission and vice chair of the RI250 Commission; Theresa Moore, founder of T-Time Productions, who worked with students and teachers at the Rhode Island Training School to restore a historic paupers' cemetery and research those buried there; and South Eastern Economic Development Corp., a nonprofit that offers microloans and other financing to businesses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Daniela Muralles Mendez, a senior at the Met School in Providence, received the association's John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Amore's office said she has interned with the Department of State for nearly two and a half years as a State House tour guide, started tours in Spanish and has given more than 25 of them, including to elementary school students learning English.

"Daniela has demonstrated both of those qualities, and more – going above and beyond the typical requirements of the role to make our program more inclusive and informative," Amore said.

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