Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) announced that Martha-Ann Wells, a student at Warwick High School, took on the role of panel moderator during the launch of a national internet awareness partnership between Girl Scouts and Google.
According to NNPS, Wells, a tenth grader and a member of the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Board as well as a National Delegate, moderated a panel at Google’s Washington, D.C. offices on November 4. The panel included Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Girl Scouts USA Chief Development Officer Meridith Maskara.
The event marked the commencement of the Be Internet Awesome national partnership between Girl Scouts and Google. This initiative aims to help Girl Scouts develop healthy digital habits, online safety skills, and responsible digital citizenship. Attendees from various councils participated in interactive activities such as fact-checking and password safety exercises. As part of this program, Girl Scouts can now earn the Be Internet Awesome patch.
“I had so much fun at the Google headquarters,” said Wells. “I really enjoyed being a part of the launch for an interactive program that challenges us to use our screen time wisely and smartly—to Be Internet Awesome. I was able to improve my speaking skills by being a moderator and was able to meet so many amazing Girl Scouts.”
NNPS serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools, which include early childhood centers, elementary, middle, high schools, and combination schools. The district employs around 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff. It focuses on preparing all students to graduate ready for college, careers, and citizenship by providing early learning programs and advanced educational technology. The district is governed by a seven-member elected School Board with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent.
