The Association of School Business Officials of New York has awarded Huntington High School Class of 2022 member Cassidy Casabona a $500 scholarship in recognition of her exceptional achievements and future potential in the field of business.
Superintendent James W. Polansky presented the award on behalf of Huntington UFSD Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Dr. Kathleen Acker during Huntington High School’s senior scholarships and awards night ceremony.
Ms. Casabona plans to study finance at the University of Pennsylvania. “One of the main reasons I chose UPenn was the Wharton School of Business,” she said. “It is arguably the best business school in the country, so I thought it would be the perfect place for me to continue my education because of the rigorous environment. Another major factor for me was their alum network. After speaking with alumni from UPenn, I witnessed how helpful everyone was. The Penn community is very welcoming, so I immediately felt at home.”
The teenager said taking diligent notes, studying thoroughly prior to exams and attending extra help when needed have been the keys to her success. Ms. Casabona also credits her family, who have served as her personal cheerleaders throughout high school.
Named a Distinguished Senior last this spring, Ms. Casabona has been on the high school’s high honor roll since her freshman year. She participating in AWOD (A World of Difference) and Key Club and she served as a Natural Helper, assisting classmates through difficult periods and personal and family challenges.
A member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, Ms. Casabona was also president of the Math Honor Society and vice president of the French Honor Society. She was the Class of 2022 treasurer in each of the past four years and was the school-wide GO president in 2022/23.
An accomplished musician, Ms. Casabona also played on Blue Devil varsity volleyball team and won awards in the National History Day contest and in the K-Factor talent show.
Founded in 1948, ASBO New York’s members are recognized as experts in school finance and operations and leaders in education. The organization supports the professional growth of its members and serves as the leading resource on school finance statewide while advocating for quality education for all students. The group boasts about 2,600 members representing 659 school districts and BOCES units and more than 300 companies.
Dr. Acker currently serves on the executive board of ASBO New York’s Suffolk chapter as the organization’s president for the 2022/23 school year.