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Hauppauge Student Abilities are Noticed on a National Level
Recently, Hauppauge High School (HHS) Senior Jade Carvalho distinguished herself by getting a perfect score on the ACT. Jade was just named a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar. What follows is a press release from the U.S. Department of Education.
“Jade Carvalho is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 24-26.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2018 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner organizations.
The 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education.
The teacher chosen for recognition by Ms. Carvalho was Hauppauge High School Math Teacher Daniel Concannon.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dennis O’Hara had this to say, “The are so many strong school districts and amazing students in New York, particularly on Long Island. Given this fact, we are beyond proud of Jade for being recognized as the best of the best! Her ambition, passion for learning, perseverance and grit are surely examples for others in Hauppauge to follow.
It is great to see so many students signing with colleges and universities to continue playing sports. It is always a terrific thing when our students choose to continue their education at a college or university, and given the fact that such a small percentage of students nationwide choose to continue athletics at the post-secondary level, these Hauppauge High School students in particular deserve special recognition.”
Many top colleges and universities around the country have noticed the abilities of Hauppauge students and have scouted them out and offered them a spot in their schools. On May 1, 2018, the Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Family & Consumer Science, Dan Butler, held a ceremony for the students who have signed on to play sports for many top college and universities.
Francesca Capilets has signed with Morehead State University in Kentucky to be a Cheerleader. Francesca was Co-Captain of the HHS Varsity Cheerleading Team, coached the Hauppauge Youth Organization (HYO) Cheerleading Team, and participated in “Cheering for Charity.” Ms. Capilets will be studying Education at college. She hopes to focus on Elementary and Special Education.
Jesse Donnarumma has committed to play Lacrosse for the College at Brockport in upstate New York. While at HHS, Mr. Donnarumma played midfield on the Varsity Lacrosse Team and also played Football for three years. Jesse is going to study Physical Education with an eye on becoming a teacher.
Jade Dyer-Kennedy has signed with Fordham University to run Track and Field. Jade serves as secretary for the Tri-M Honor Society. She is a violinist in the HHS Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Dyer-Kennedy is also a member of the Spanish and National Honor Societies. She serves as the Public Relations officer for the Interact Club and is the President of the Student Council. Jade is an active member of the Hauppauge school district’s Youth and Community Alliance Coalition and is an Ambassador for Change on the Islip Town’s Anti-Bias Task-Force. She was a Rotary "Student of the Month." Next Fall, Jade will follow her dream of becoming a Pediatrician to the campus of Fordham University in the Bronx where she will study Biology in the Pre-Med program.
Jada Obie has signed to play Track and Field for St. John’s University. While at HHS Jada participated in the Drama Club and was in two musical stage productions. She was also involved with “Best Buddies.” Ms. Obie plans to study Photography at St. John’s this fall.
Nick Sellitto has committed to play Baseball as a Left Fielder for Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. While at HHS, Nick was also on the Swim Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society. Mr. Sellitto is an Alto Saxophone player who plans on studying Mechanical Engineering.
Elizabeth Szachacz has signed with Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut to continue her Cheerleading career with them. She was Co-Captain of the HHS Varsity Cheerleading Team. Her leadership helped launch the HHS Varsity Cheerleaders to number two at the National competition this year. She is excited to Cheer for Sacred Heart which was number six in the nation on the collegiate level. Liz is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the Vice President of the French Honor Society. Ms. Szachacz is the President of the Environmental Club and plays violin in the HHS Orchestra. Outside of school, Liz is a Junior Commissioner for “Keep Islip Clean.” Elizabeth has her sights set on a career in Nursing.
Brody Walters has committed to play Football next fall at Buffalo State University. While at HHS, Mr. Walters played Basketball, as well as being the Punter for the Varsity Football Team. Brody plans to pursue a career in Athletics and is anxious to explore the many possibilities available to him at Buffalo State.
Click here to see where the top seniors will be going to college.