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 Grace Gordon, Erin Hanlon, Valentina Puccio and Belinda Velasquez Maldonado.

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.

Ms. Gordon is headed to Lafayette College to play on the women’s lacrosse team. Ms. Hanlon plans to attend American University. Ms. Garofalo will be studying at Hofstra University and playing NCAA Division I lacrosse there. Ms. Velasquez Maldonado is headed to Mount Saint Mary College.

Mr. LoTurco introduced the award recipients and made the formal presentation to each.