Rhode Island high schoolers spread organ donation awareness through artwork

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — A group of Rhode Island high schoolers was honored Tuesday for their artwork in spreading awareness about organ donation.

Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong joined officials in awarding the 2024 Rhode Island State-Wide High School Organ Donation Poster Contest winners.

• First Place – Ezekiel Montevirgen
• Second Place – Stella Grayko
• Third Place – Leah McEvoy
• Honorable Mention – Amelia Wallace
• Honorable Mention – Aidan Barry
• Teacher Award for most student submissions — Casey Ramey

Organizers said students were inspired to share art supporting organ donation, encouraging people to register as organ donors at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or online.

New England Donor Services sponsored the event after achieving a record number of life-saving deceased donor organ donations and transplants for a third consecutive year.

In 2023, 549 deceased donors donated organs in the New England service area resulting in 1,401 life-saving transplants, per officials.

Officials said the state also plays an important role in the donation process, as most individuals in Rhode Island who register as organ and tissue donors do so at the DMV.