United Amigos Volunteers Make a Difference

United Amigos has a history of making a difference in the lives of its members and those in the local and greater Long Island community that the Huntington High School club reaches out to when it sees a need that it can help address.

Teacher Rosario Lorenzana has been the driving force behind the organization, along with energetic officers and members. Ms. Lorenzana serves as the faculty advisor of the club, which has carved out a special niche at the high school.

Eleven years ago, Ms. Lorenzana began bringing students together after school who needed tutoring and English language support. Word quickly spread to other students and it became known that the teacher’s classroom was a place not only for science and language review, but other support, including understanding American culture and navigating a big high school.

What evolved was a small community that became a second home for many students. Soon the group began to grow. Realizing the needs of the students reached beyond academics and language, Ms. Lorenzana organized United Amigos.

“The club’s initial purpose was to help immigrant students coming to the distinct from Central and South American countries to adapt to a different atmosphere and feel as if they were in their mother homelands,” Ms. Lorenzano said. “United Amigos is not only a place for a lot of fun, but it also allows students to come together and become part of the Huntington family. It has created a secure place for students over the past few years.”

The club’s 2024/25 program is well underway. Members past and present enjoyed a splendid experience last summer and it continues to inspire and motivate the teenagers.

“United Amigos participated in a spectacular event in the Ebenezer SDA Church in Freeport on October 22,” Ms. Lorenzana said. “Many health professionals such as general practitioners, asthma and diabetes specialists, massage therapists and many nurses came to give their time to serve the community. Among these health angels were the United Amigos and Spanish Honor Society, who came to serve as medical translators in order to help the community achieve better health. We all had a grand experience.”

The group of students included Joselyn Martinez, Edgar Castro, Emma Gutierrez, Nallely Linares, Jose Diaz, Gabby Genao, Emmie Gutierrez, Vesy Molina, Ashly Romero, Dana Avila, Keycy Diaz Campos and Myah Urena.

“The attendees were very happy receiving the help,” Ms. Lorenzana said. “It was very humbling to note that these students preferred spending their Sunday assisting others rather than performing other activities to self-indulge.”

United Amigos typically meets once a week for general academic and language support and to plan and execute various community service initiatives. For example, club members gather winter coats and food for local pantries several times a year. They participate in the Safe Halloween program for elementary school children at the high school and play a role in dances on Valentine’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. The also get involved in a variety of timely special initiatives.