ATH Presents Carol Soskil Scholarship to Emelyn Merida Cifuentes

The Associated Teachers of Huntington presented a $1,000 scholarship to Huntington High School Class of 2024 member Emelyn Merida Cifuentes in honor of longtime district reading teacher Carol Soskil, who passed away in August 2020.

Ms. Merida Cifuentes attributes her success to her family’s help. The support of her mother, “even though she is far away,” has motivated the teenager to be a better person and strive to achieve her dreams.

Recognized as a Distinguished Senior last spring, Ms. Merida Cifuentes plans to study at Suffolk Community College in preparation for a career as a teacher.

The new alum forged strong relationships with her teachers in Huntington and she said “learned so much from them.” Ms. Merida Cifuentes has won numerous academic accolades.

She said her “most noteworthy moments” came when her teachers gave her recognition for her academic achievements and made her feel proud of all her efforts.

The ATH is the professional organization of the district’s more than 400 teachers. ATH President Elizabeth Flanagan announced Ms. Merida Cifuentes as this year’s Carol Soskil Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Ms. Soskil was a beloved reading teacher at Washington Primary School. Students were at ease around her. She worked in multiple programs outside of the regular school day, including the summer. Her faculty colleagues loved her just as much as the kids did and deeply respected her as a consummate professional.