Grace Colavecchio capped off a remarkable senior year by capturing the Victoria Skye Gaines Memorial Scholarship. The Huntington High School Class of 2022 member compiled notable accomplishments in every academic discipline. She plans to study political science at Binghamton University.
An Advanced Placement Scholar, Ms. Colavecchio was inducted into five separate academic honor societies. The Gaines scholarship carries with it a $4,000 stipend payable in annual installments of $1,000. It was presented to Ms. Colavecchio by Director of Guidance Jeannette Alomia at the high school’s annual senior scholarships and awards ceremony.
A happy little girl, Ms. Gaines perished in a boating catastrophe in 2012 that also claimed the lives of two other children. The crowded boat capsized en route to Huntington from Oyster Bay following a July 4 fireworks show. The 34 foot cabin cruiser reportedly had 27 people onboard, including 15 children. The youngster was seven years old and looking forward to entering third grade at Washington Primary School.
Ms. Colavecchio set herself up for success with a focus on both short term and long term goals. She also credited her success to developing strong relationships with her teachers.
As a senior, the teenager engaged in a credit bearing internship with Latin teacher Kristin Fortunato. It was one of the highlights of Ms. Colavecchio’s high school experience. She was co-president of the Latin Honor Society.
Another source of delight was participating with the Huntington Highsteppers competitive dance team. Ms. Colavecchio volunteered with the high school’s Key Club chapter. She worked with her classmates to plan a wildly successful K-Factor talent show last winter.