The Brett Saltzman Scholarship is presented in memory of a Huntington High School alum who passed away six years ago. It’s awarded to leading seniors who intend to pursue college studies in a field related to mental health or who have been affected in some way by mental health, including through family and friends.
This year’s $500 Saltzman scholarship awards were presented to Isabella Cahill and Joseph Garetano. Ms. Cahill plans to study psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mr. Garetano is headed to SUNY College at Cortland where he is interested in pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.
The scholarship presentation was made by three members of Mr. Saltzman’s family during the senior academic awards night ceremony in the auditorium before a crowd of 325.
Ms. Cahill is an extremely accomplished young woman. A member of the National Honor Society and president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, she also served as president of the high school drama club and choir. She interned in an AP Psychology class as a senior, which cemented her interest in the academic discipline.
The new Huntington alum said “AP courses, involvement in the music department and keeping busy and motivated with extracurricular activities” were the keys to her successful run through the high school.
Mr. Garetano cited being focused, staying positive and persevering through difficult times as the keys to his success. He played football, ran and jumped with Huntington’s championship track and field team and participated in various club activities.
Named a Distinguished Senior is recognition of his superb academic record, Mr. Garetano enjoyed the family-type relationship that was created between himself, his teachers and classmates.