As Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, pointed out at the Board of Education's meeting on Tuesday, April 19, the evening marked the second time the board was honoring Newtown High School senior Ashley Gong.

Ashley appeared before the school board during the Celebration of Excellence portion of the April 19 meeting, to share her latest awards.

"We're here this evening to celebrate Ashley once again," said NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue, "for several additional honors."

Dr Rodrigue announced Ashley had been selected as a 2016 National Young Arts Foundation finalist in poetry and received a scholarship award. Ashley was also awarded national honors for her writing of the 2016 Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards submission.

"Ashley received a gold medal for her poetry titled The Fifth Series of Red," said Dr Rodrigue. Ashley was seated next to Dr Rodrigue as the principal addressed the school board. "And I hope she shares a piece of that this evening. It is amazing."

Dr Rodrigue also said Ashley was named a 2016 national Coca-Cola scholar from more than 87,000 applicants across the nation.

"She was one of 150 students selected for her outstanding academics, her leadership, and community service," said Dr Rodrigue.

The day before the pair spoke before the school board, Dr Rodrigue said NHS received a plaque honoring Ashley's accomplishment from the National Young Arts Foundation. The plaque will be put on display at the school.

"It is just beautiful," said Dr Rodrigue, before sharing that staff and students at NHS could not be prouder of Ashley. "There is no doubt in my mind that she has a wonderful future ahead."

Ashley thanked Dr Erardi, the school board, and Dr Rodrigue for recognizing her accomplishments, before also thanking everyone who has helped her "on my journey," including her parents and teachers.

"I just feel so lucky to have such a wonderful support system here at home," said Ashley, before reading her poem for the board.

Video of Ashley reading her poem is available on  (click on 2016-04-19 Board of Education)the town's website

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander presented Ashley with a certificate to commemorate her accomplishments. Mr Alexander said it meant a lot to everyone at the meeting that Ashley's poetry is read and people read it beyond Newtown.

During the 2014-15 academic year, Ashley was named one of five National Student Poetry Ambassadors following a September 2014 a visit to Washington, DC. Being named a National Student Poetry Ambassador requires entering and winning either a national gold or silver medal in poetry from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. From there, a pool of 35 semifinalists are chosen, and a panel of judges then chooses five finalists from that pool of contenders.

The National Student Poets Program, according to its organizers, is the nation's highest honor for teen poets presenting original work. The five young poets were appointed by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

Roughly a month after Ashley's accomplishment, the school board honored her at a meeting on October 7, 2014.