The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award was presented to Huntington Class of 2020 member Caitlyn Palermo. The teenager was given a certificate and medal.
The Daughters of the American Revolution present the award each year to a graduating senior who demonstrates honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.
The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education for children,” states its website.
Named a Distinguished Senior after excelling during every semester of high school, Ms. Palermo plans to attend Biola University in LaMirada, California. The teenager intends to study film production. Biola has one of the top film programs in the United States.
One of the best young student filmmakers in the state, if not the country, Ms. Palermo is an outstanding young woman by any measure. Hard work, determination and a strong faith have been her keys to success.
Ms. Palermo has thrived in Huntington High School’s video arts program, winning a long list of awards and leading her production team to impressive heights in the 10 Day Film Challenge competition, which drew entries from across the country.
The teenager captained the Blue Devil varsity tennis team, winning All-Division honors in doubles play. Coach Jamie Fishlow called Ms. Palermo “the heart and soul of the team” and termed her a “great leader.” She played in the Huntington girls’ basketball program for many years. She also enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai.
Ms. Palermo has spoken with J. Taylor Finley Middle School eighth graders about high school art department offerings, sharing her experiences with anyone willing to listen.
The Class of 2020 member was honored at the town’s 25th annual Hispanic heritage celebration last fall. Proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Ms. Palermo regularly visits relatives on the island, which has helped develop her appreciation for its culture, food and music.
Ms. Palermo’s academic schedule was filled with honors and Advanced Placement classes. An active member of the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish Honor Society and Art Honor Society, she served on the Huntington Foundation’s youth board.
A New York State Scholar-Athlete Award recipient, Ms. Palermo will be missed at Huntington High School.
