Leonid Martinez and Nina Varvatsas are two of the most sensational members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2022. The duo has been named this year’s recipients of the National School Development Council Awards.
The two teenagers are admired by classmates and both will be sorely missed next year when each begins pursuit of a new set of goals as they move on to the next chapter in their respective lives.
A member of the National Honor Society and a New York State Scholar Athlete Award recipient, Mr. Martinez plans to serve America as a member of the US Marine Corps.
Named a Distinguished Senior last spring after compiling an academic grade average of 90 or better during every semester of high school, Ms. Varvatsas is headed to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut to study occupational therapy.
The National School Development Council is a confederation of school study or development councils located across the country.
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky presented Mr. Martinez Soto and Ms. Varvatsas with this year’s awards during the high school’s senior academic awards ceremony.
“Both Leonid and Nina have set terrific examples within the Huntington learning community, pursuing their interests, as well as routinely displaying kindness and respecting the interests and perspectives of others,” Mr. Polansky said. “I am proud to support them with the NSDC awards!”
Mr. Martinez played varsity football for the Blue Devils and ran on track team. He even managed to find the time to work part-time and used the earnings to help his family cover its expenses.
Ms. Varvatsas participated in Huntington’s Environmental Club, Key Club and Grandfriends Club. She has been a star in the high school’s science research program and interned with the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. A member of the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society, she has won awards with the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and volunteered with the Greek Orthodox Youth Association through her church.
“The National School Development Council embodies the philosophic and operational tenets of the school study and development council movement,” states the organization’s website. “Each of these regional, state, or county-based councils is, in turn, an association of local school systems that work together; usually in conjunction with one or more institutions of higher learning on matters of common concern.”