Three very special seniors were presented with scholarships by the Huntington High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association after sensational four year runs by each of the teenagers.
Jolena Smith, Katy Dara and Magenta Lopez each won $500 scholarships. Ms. Smith will be attending Delaware State University to study criminal justice or social work. Ms. Dara plans to major in English at the University at Albany. Ms. Lopez is headed to Northeastern University in Boston. She’s interested in studying pre-law or a business related field.
PTSA President Nancy DiGiacomo spoke about each of the Class of 2017 members before a crowd of about 300 at the senior academic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium.
“The three recipients were chosen because they have shown academic improvement during high school and have demonstrated good citizenship and character,” Mrs. DiGiacomo said.
Ms. Smith intends to join Delaware State’s track and field team. She was a superb performer in the field events for the Blue Devils. The teenager served on the Principal’s Advisory Council and Tri-CYA’s Youth Council. She interned with Tri-CYA Executive Director Debbie Rimler this past year.
At one time or another, Ms. Smith also played soccer and basketball and was the manager of the varsity boys’ basketball team. She participated in Young Leaders, Natural Helpers, United Amigos and Habitat for Humanity making a notable contribution to each of the organizations.
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, Ms. Dara is known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail and perseverance when the going gets tough. A wonderful musician, she enjoyed taking field trips in Manhattan for Broadway shows. The teenager was the flute section leader in the Blue Devil marching band and she also performed with the high school jazz band and in the pit orchestra during the spring musical production.
During the course of her studies, Ms. Dara developed close relationships with social studies teacher Camille Tedeschi and French teacher Deidre Mayer. She completed Ms. Tedeschi’s Women’s Studies elective course and engaged in a credit bearing internship with Ms. Mayer.
One of the top members of this year’s senior class, Ms. Lopez is famous for her positive attitude. Captain of the Huntington Highsteppers’ competitive dance team that reached the national championships in Orlando, that teenager also participated in the high school’s Latin Club, United Amigos and the student government.
Ms. Lopez was the master of ceremonies at Huntington High School’s 156th commencement exercises in June. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, she was a member of six academic honor societies.’
“I was so honored to receive the PTA scholarship,” Ms. Lopez said. “Thank you to the PTA members for helping me achieve my goals!”
Huntington High School’s PTSA is ready for the 2017/18 school year. Nancy DiGiacomo (president), Laura Befumo (co-vice president), Deb McGinniss (co-vice president), Donna Kye (corresponding secretary), Peggy Low (recording secretary), Sandy Saginaw (treasurer), Jeanie Dempsey (PTA Council delegate) and Toniann Mangan (PTA Council delegate) will serve on the organization’s executive board.