Three sensational seniors were presented with scholarships by the Huntington High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association after exceptional four year runs by each of the teenagers.
Evelyn Hernandez-Veliz, Teddy Holly and Morgan Minicozzi each won $500 scholarships.
PTSA President Laura Cheshire spoke about the Class of 2019 members before a crowd of about 325 at the senior academic awards ceremony in the high school auditorium. She commended their “good citizenship and character” and noted their growth over the years.
Ms. Hernandez-Veliz is headed to Hofstra University to study biology on a pre-med track in anticipation of a career as an oncologist. Mr. Holly plans to study education at SUNY College at Oneonta to prepare for a career as a social studies teacher. Ms. Minicozzi intends to study nursing at Adelphi University, where she has been recruited to play on college’s field hockey team. Ms. Cardenas wants to study criminology.
Ms. Hernandez-Veliz has been on the Blue Devil soccer, swimming and track and field teams. She participated in the science research program, Grandfriends club and the A World of Difference club. A scholar-mentor, she vied in the Biology Olympiad and Science Olympiad. The teenager performed in the high school orchestra. A member of the Spanish Honor Society, the senior also volunteered as a children’s tutor at the Family Service League. Hofstra awarded her a scholarship.
An Advanced Placement Scholar, Mr. Holly participated in student government, including serving as class president, volunteered with the high school’s Habitat for Humanity and Key Club chapters, performed with the Blue Devil marching band as well as the jazz band and pit orchestra. A member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, he was also a Natural Helper, assisting classmates as they work through personal issues. He is also a gifted electric and acoustic guitar player.
Captain of the Blue Devil field hockey and softball teams, Ms. Minicozzi was inducted into five academic honor societies. She strives to be the best version of herself and works hard at everything she sets out to do. The teenager always has her eyes fixed on a set of goals she is relentlessly pursuing.
Huntington High School’s PTSA is ready for the 2019/20 school year. Toniann Mangan (president), Michele Sabatino (co-vice president), Alice Marie Rorke (co-vice president), Rene Babich Dumas (corresponding secretary), Laura Befumo (recording secretary), Susan Lyons (treasurer), Dana Forte (PTA Council delegate) and Kimberley Steinberg (PTA Council delegate) will serve on the organization’s executive board.