Seven Platinum Seal of Civic Readiness Honorees at Huntington

Seven Huntington High School students who qualified for the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas captured platinum recognition, the highest level of distinction offered by Huntington High School’s program.

The Huntington students included Nicholas Plachta (Georgetown University), Julia Aldas (Hofstra University), Anthony Addeo (University of South Carolina-Columbia), John Joyce (College of William & Mary), Gabriela Amaya (Hofstra University), Nicolas Francis (SUNY College at Geneseo) and Nina Fascilla (American University).

Messrs. Plachta, Addeo and Francis and Ms. Aldas also completed capstone projects, placing them at the very top of all those receiving the award this year in New York.

“These seven students who have achieved more than double the required level of expectation for receiving the cherished Seal of Civic Readiness, have been deemed ‘leaders of leaders,’” Chairman of Social Studies Joseph Leavy said. “This recognition for these seven students speaks to the fact that they each not only demonstrated sound civic mindsets, and action-based positive civic behavior, but that their leadership by modeling and active path-setting also motivated many others to do the same. Their work, in the form of a highly impactful capstone project, or a series of leadership endeavors, rose to a level that will have a lasting impact on our school and community.”

Mr. Plachta’s capstone project involved the American Legion’s Boys’ State citizenship and leadership program. Ms. Aldas’ project focused on the Huntington Youth Court program. Mr. Addeo’s capstone project involved developing the Huntington High School Blue Market & Blutique. Mr. Francis’ project involved extensive leadership work at sustaining the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary in Oyster Bay.

Mr. Joyce amassed a remarkable 12 points in the Seal of Civic Readiness rubric compilation without engaging in a capstone project, which is quite a feat. Ms. Amaya participated in the New York State Assembly’s highly regarded Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute in Albany in each of the past two years. Ms. Fascilla participated in the US Youth Senate, one of just two students chosen to represent New York.