Nine members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2016 captured Joseph Toles Foundation scholarships in recognition of their outstanding all-around performance and potential for future success.
The teenagers were presented with $250 awards during Huntington’s senior academic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium in June. Guidance counselor Lauren Brunoni spoke about the nine recipients, their achievements and what makes them so special.
This year’s scholarship winners include Julio Colon-Barbosa (Farmingdale State College), Gavin Crockett (University of Tampa), Santos Garcia Avelar (City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice), Guilia Gourgue (St. Leo University), Kelsey Jamison (Farmingdale State College), Derya Odabas (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising), Latoya Shand (Binghamton University), Jessica Straub (Royal Academy of Music in London) and Benjamin Whitcher (Binghamton University).
Founded in June 2005 by Joseph Toles, the foundation’s mission “is to provide, locate, refer and subsidize social skills development seminars, workshops, retreats and camping experiences to children, parents, guardians and professionals who work towards the development of individuals and families,” according to its website. The organization’s focus is on community service, leadership and organizational excellence.
The scholarship recipients posed with Mrs. Brunoni for a commemorative photo following the award presentation on the auditorium stage and the group received warm applause from a crowd of several hundred at the ceremony.
“The Joseph Toles Foundation envisions a day when children from all walks of life, all creeds and colors and all economic backgrounds are encouraged and nurtured to discover their own potential and individuality,” states the organization’s website. “The foundation sees children, parents, guardians and professionals working collaboratively toward family and personal growth that fosters cooperation, understanding, respect and trust in one another.”
