Italian Honor Society Presents Awards
Not every high school can boast a program to study the Italian language. Huntington High School can and many of its participants excel in their studies. Two of the best have been Cristina Badalamenti and Alyson Coleman, who graduated late last month with the Class of 2011.
The two teenagers were honored by the Italian honor society as this year's recipients of special $50 scholarships. Huntington foreign language teacher Gina Trigian-Movanty made the formal presentation during the senior academic awards night in the high school auditorium.
Ms. Badalamenti served at the Italian honor society's president this past year while Ms. Coleman completed a term as vice-president. Either is impressive individually, but taken together the duo is unstoppable.
The sky seems to the limit for Ms. Badalamenti, who will begin studies in occupational therapy at Sacred Heart University in the fall. "Cristina is a vigorous, enthusiastic and versatile student," Ms. Trigian-Movanty said. "She pursues everything she does with unbounded enthusiasm. She brings to her academic tasks a wealth of knowledge and experience derived from her background."
An upbeat, confident and articulate teenager, Ms. Badalamenti was one of Huntington's top scholars and athletes in recent years. She was a key contributor to the Blue Devil soccer and track teams, running a leg on two separate relays that smashed school records in each of the respective events. Her philosophy in school and sports can be summed up in three simple words: Never give up.
"Her personal poise and style present a unique combination of maturity beyond her years," Mrs. Trigian-Movanty said about Ms. Badalamenti. "This has imbued her with outstanding personal qualities: integrity, poise, charm, sensibility and leadership."
Ms. Coleman is headed to SUNY Geneseo in the fall. She is interested in studying either political science or business. The talented young woman earned varsity letters on soccer and track teams and made several trips to New Orleans with Huntington's Habitat for Humanity chapter, assisting in the continuing efforts to rebuild the city devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
"Alyson is an excellent student," Ms. Trigian-Movanty said. "She's conscientious and an outstanding role model. She is quiet, responsible and attentive. We are sure her future will be brilliant."
Known for her steely determination and relentless work ethic, Ms. Coleman sets high goals for herself and then methodically pursues them. Before settling on SUNY Geneseo, she had considered several colleges, including Binghamton University.
Whoever would follow in the footsteps of Ms. Badalamenti and Ms. Coleman appear to have their work cut out for them.