Huntington Seniors Win State Scholarships
The State Education Department has notified nine Huntington High School seniors that the teenagers have won New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence for their outstanding classroom performance.
Kaja and Juliana Coraor have earned $1,500 scholarships. Seniors Matthew Petryk, Nicolas Maiarelli, Laura Zenzerovich, Justin Loscalzo, Jake Goldstein, Holly Blakley and Alexandra Martinolich have won $500 awards. The annual awards can be used for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State
The teenagers have been told the scholarships are "tentative" pending final passage of the state budget. Principal Carmela Leonardi expressed pride in the accomplishment of the exceptional students.
"These young people clearly deserve to be recognized for their hard work and achievement," Superintendent James W. Polansky said. "It is fitting that our own State Education Department contribute to this recognition, as each of these students represent not only the Huntington community, but also New York State in the finest manner possible."
According to the scholarship program's website, "each year, 8,000 scholarships are awarded - up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 and 6,000 scholarships of $500 to top scholars from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. Recipients can also receive other non-loan student aid, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance."
The scholarships must be used within seven years of high school graduation. Students will receive the financial award for up to four years of full-time study or five years should they be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program that "normally" requires a fifth year.
The scholarship is automatically revoked whenever a student begins classes as an out-of-state college. The award cannot be reinstated even if the student returns to a New York college.