Talented Seniors Share National School Development Awards

Emely Herrera Rivas and Caleb Palermo are two of the most impressive members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2026. The exceptional pair has been named this year’s recipients of the National School Development Council Awards.

Admired by classmates and teachers alike, the pair will be sorely missed next year when each begins the pursuit of a new set of goals at their respective colleges.

Huntington Superintendent Beth McCoy and Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack presented the teenagers with this year’s awards during the high school’s senior scholarship awards ceremony in the high school auditorium.

“The National School Development Council allows us to offer two awards recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional academic growth and student leadership in learning,” Ms. McCoy said. “These two individuals have put their respective best feet forward in the classroom and have also immersed themselves in school life throughout their educational careers in Huntington.”

Ms. McCoy and Mr. Cusack presented Ms. Herrera Rivas and Mr. Palermo with certificates and gift cards.

“The key to my success has been my discipline to keep on going and making my family proud,” Ms. Herrera said. I have set goals for myself and strive to achieve them each day. I surround myself with people who are just as hardworking and dedicated and use them as examples for who I try to be every day. I’ve enjoyed building long lasting, impactful friendships and connections with teachers. They have helped me become the person I am today. My teachers and friends have helped grow my love for learning in high school.”

Ms. Herrera Rivas plans to study political science at Cornell University. Mr. Palermo intends to pursue an academic major in kinesiology and obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Scranton where he has been recruited to play on the men’s volleyball team.

“Balancing extracurriculars with schoolwork, learning how to do what needs to be done first before pursuing personal interests along with making myself available to receive and provide help have been major keys to my success in high school,” Mr. Palermo said. “I’ve enjoyed growing and nurturing my friendships with fellow seniors and underclassmen, building a community while expanding my educational prowess; these memories will last for the rest of my life. “I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made and the bonds I've made with the Huntington staff.”

The National School Development Council is a confederation of school study or development councils located across the country.

“The Council embodies the philosophic and operational tenets of the school study and development council movement,” states the organization’s website. “Each of these regional, state, or county-based councils is, in turn, an association of local school systems that work together; usually in conjunction with one or more institutions of higher learning on matters of common concern.”