Suffolk Zone Honors Plant
and Martinolich
Seniors Daniel Plant and Alexandra Martinolich are among the top Huntington High School student-athletes. Their accomplishments in physical education and athletics are etched forever in the record books as is their impressive academic performance, fine character and willingness to lead their classmates and teammates.
The pair was recently honored by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance during a dinner at the East Winds Caterers in Wading River.
Mr. Plant has starred in football and lacrosse for Huntington. He enjoys participating in physical education classes with students who are not members of a Blue Devil sports teams. He takes delight in motivating and encouraging them during team sport classes and derives special pleasure in seeing these classmates excel. Huntington teaches say the teenager is a "true leader" at all times.
"Danny Plant has excelled in many areas," said Georgia D. McCarthy, district director of health, physical education and athletics. "He participates in many community service events and varsity athletics. He is proud to be a member of the Huntington Fire Department, Huntington Village Lacrosse Club, Young Leaders of Huntington and A World of Difference. Danny was a volunteer for the Special Olympics and looks forward to working with the same athletes again next spring."
Mr. Plant has not yet divulged where he will attend college next fall, but Blue Devil coaches believe wherever he winds up, he will rapidly become an indispensable part of that college program. "Huntington is proud of Danny," Mrs. McCarthy said. "We wish him the best!"
Ms. Martinolich, who is a member of the Blue Devil fencing and track programs, is also one of the gems of Huntington's Class of 2012. "Alexandra stands out as a scholar and an athlete," Mrs. McCarthy said. She's been on the high honor roll since seventh grade and holds a 101.7 grade average.
The Huntington senior is enrolled in a slate of Advanced Placement courses this year and is a member of the Key club, Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Ms. Martinolich has been inducted into six different honor societies and has earned state scholar-athlete honors several times.
"Alex really enjoyed all of the trust exercises in the Project Adventure classes," Mrs. McCarthy said. "The physical education teachers have admired Alex for her hard work and dedication to clubs, sports and academics. She is a leader by example and is well respected by her classmates."
A loyal friend and teammate, Ms. Martinolich has earned the unbridled respect of her teachers, coaches and fellow students. "Huntington is confident and proud to say that whichever school Alex decides to attend, they will be extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful student," Mrs. McCarthy said.
The Suffolk Zone honors only one senior male and female student from each high school. To be eligible, students must have earned at least a 90 average in physical education class and a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average in all classes prior to the senior year, demonstrate outstanding character, show leadership skills in both physical education class and general school wide activities and serve as a role model for other students.
"All of us are proud of these outstanding Huntington teenagers," Mrs. McCarthy said. "They have been exceptional representatives of our district and community and are wonderful role-models for their classmates."