Junior Katie Cocoman Honored at Networking Day Breakfast

Huntington High School junior Katie Cocoman was honored this week at the Huntington Human Services Institute’s 19th Annual Women’s Networking Day breakfast sponsored by Island Better Hearing and Northwell Huntington Hospital.

The theme of this year’s event was Women’s Health: Heart, Mind, Body and Soul. Ms. Cocoman collected proclamations from Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund Smith and four town board members and county legislator Rebecca Sanin as well as a citation from State Assemblyman Steven Stern She also received a $250 scholarship.

The crowd of about 100 included Huntington Principal Rochelle C. Brown and an assortment of dignitaries along with the elected officials.

“It was an honor and pleasure to attend this event with Katie and her father,” Ms. Brown said. “She is well deserving of all the accolades bestowed upon her. She is extremely dedicated to her academics and sports and passionate about a wide variety of subjects. She is a ray of sunshine and I know that she will continue to be successful in this journey of life.”

Ms. Cocoman is one of Huntington High School’s social justice ambassadors. She’s shined academically, completing numerous honors and Advanced Placement courses. The teenager played goalie on the Blue Devil varsity field hockey team that won nine games, including a win in the playoffs over Connetquot.

“Her commitment extends beyond academics and community service,” according to a profile in the breakfast journal. “Katie’s honesty and perseverance, despite whatever pressure she may encounter, has inspired her peers, and her dedication exemplifies true leadership and selflessness. She is always striving to improve herself and lift up those around her. Katie is an excellent role model and a shining light at Huntington High School.”

Ms. Cocoman was among six award recipients. She was specifically cited for her work as a social justice ambassador, an initiative under the direction of Huntington social studies teacher James Graber.

“The social justice ambassadors program was instituted here at Huntington High School five years ago and is always looking for more members who are committed to social justice,” Ms. Brown said.