Four Seniors Garner LoTurco & Palacios Oral Advocacy Scholarships

John LoTurco and Xavier Palacios both value the spoken word. As practicing attorneys, much of the duo’s professional lives are wrapped up in being able to form and articulate winning arguments. The two Huntington High School alums once again have come together to sponsor the LoTurco & Palacios Oral Advocacy Scholarships.

The scholarship is available to seniors “who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their community through participation in activities such as Debate Team, Mock Trial, Model UN, Virtual Enterprise, Student Government or any other program that exemplifies oral advocacy,” according to the award criteria.

This year’s scholarship recipients received awards in the amount of $1,000 each. The honorees include Isabella Careccia-Johnson, Vincenza Garofalo, Elizabeth James and Devon St. John. All of the students are accomplished in a variety of ways, including several who especially shined with the high school’s mock trial team and Virtual Enterprise program.

Valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Ms. Careccia-Johnson is headed to Northwestern University. Ms. James plans to attend Hofstra University. Ms. Garofalo will be studying at Nova Southeastern University. Ms. St. John will be attending Cornell University, which recruited her to play on its NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse team.

Ms. Careccia-Johnson and Ms. St. John are both Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction. Ms. Garofalo and Ms. James are both Advanced Placement Scholars with Honor.

Mr. Palacios and his daughter, Violet presented this year’s scholarships. Mr. LoTurco was unable to attend due to a professional commitment.