German Alvarez Wins
Conrad Hecht Award
Huntington High School senior German Alvarez is walking around with his head held high after winning the Conrad Hecht Memorial Award presented by the Long Island Association of Special Education Administrators.
Mr. Alvarez, who was nominated for the honor by Huntington teacher Patricia Anson, picked up the award and a $500 scholarship check at LIASEA’s annual luncheon earlier this month at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho.
“Upon entering ninth grade he was shy and quiet and has blossomed into a vivacious and outgoing young man,” Ms. Anson said about the teenager. “German’s job skills have developed throughout his career at the high school. He went from a group job shadowing program to assisting with the running of the school store and the first student to work in the school cafeteria. German now holds a competitive job at Marshalls where he has received many awards for being an outstanding employee.”
Widely known as a kind and caring young man, Mr. Alvarez has a habit of greeting staff members when he passes them in the hallway. “German is always friendly and happy to all he encounters,” Ms. Anson said. “He is willing to help anyone when they are in need. German has received many awards from his teachers for his hard work and dedication.”
When Ms. Anson returned from a maternity leave, Mr. Alvarez greeted her with a “welcome back” card and cookies. The senior has kept active during after school hours. In addition to working in the community, he swims, plays basketball, ice skates, bowls and runs. He has taught young children how to ice skate, too. He won several gold medals in the Special Olympics and even enjoys cooking.
Following his high school graduation, Mr. Alvarez plans to continue working at Marshalls, but also has placed his sights on working with senior citizens or cooking.
“German has been a pleasure to teach and know,” Ms. Anson said. “His willingness to participate in all activities has truly been an inspiration! He is the person he is today because of the love and dedication of his parents.”
“He’s the nicest young gentleman,” said Dr. Vicki Mingin, Huntington’s executive director of special education and student support services, who attended the awards luncheon along with other Huntington faculty members.
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