Young people are achieving great things in Suffolk County. Twenty-three teens were recently awarded medals for extraordinary efforts in volunteer service, personal development, exploration, and physical fitness.
A group of young Suffolk County residents were recognized for their efforts and achievements with the Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award (DYA) at a Wednesday afternoon ceremony at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building.
The Award, open to all Suffolk County residents between the ages of 13-18, focuses on four categories: Volunteer Service, Personal Development, Exploration, and Physical Fitness. Teens earned Awards at the Gold, Silver, or Bronze level, based on the level of achievement and scope of their goals.
“As an elected official, I find it not only refreshing, but motivating, when youth take an active interest in bettering themselves and their community. In a time where we can feel surrounded by negativity – be it on the news, on social media, or elsewhere – it is such programs as our Distinguished Youth Awards that should be newsworthy,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.
Several participants shared their thoughts. Siblings Noah and Blake Rabinowitz from Half Hollow High School East in Huntington both earned Gold Awards. Blake said “It was a great program. I learned so much about our county, our county parks, and just the personal involvement and giving back to our community.” Her brother, Noah, agreed: “the program was very helpful. It helped me explore a lot about myself and a lot about my county.”
Gold awardee Amalie Specht from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn learned of the DYA program from her sister who participated last year. “I especially liked visiting the parks and exploring nature and the cooking I did.” Hailey Amato, from Longwood High School in Ridge, also earned Gold. “My favorite part was all the libraries. I visited 26. And I visited all the parks. My favorite was Indian Island.” Afflicted herself, Hailey also volunteered many hours to raise over $4,000 to help battle rare chromosomal disorders.
Twenty-three students from eight different Legislative Districts completed the program, earning fourteen Gold, six Silver, and three Bronze Awards.
The Awards are (listed by Legislative district):
Leg. Stark - Anthony Vona (Manorville) - Gold Award; Paige O’Shaughnessy (Wading River) - Gold; Ryan Edward Storch (Manorville) - Bronze
Leg. Englebright - Lucas Sweeney (Port Jefferson) - Gold
Leg. Lennon - Emma Pollack (Shoreham) - Silver; Hailey Amato (Ridge) - Gold
Leg. Kennedy - Roja Valli Swami (Nesconset) - Gold
Leg. McCaffrey - Sarah Persuad (Lindenhurst) - Gold
Leg. Sanin - Logan Seltzer (Dix Hills) - Silver; Brooke Campbell (Huntington Station) - Gold; Garrick Lo (Huntington Station) - Silver; Demetra Manaris (Dix Hills) - Bronze; Andrew Budalamenti (Huntington Station) - Bronze; Nathan Lubin (Huntington Station) - Silver
Leg. Donnelly - Noah Rabinowitz (Dix Hills) - Gold; Blake Rabinowitz (Dix Hills) - Gold; Maira Siddiqi (Bay Shore) - Silver; Ava Cedeno (Melville) - Silver; Owen Bonvicin (Melville) - Gold; Tylar Chen (Deer Park) - Gold
Leg. Bontempi – Amalie Specht (Centerport) - Gold; John (Jack) McNally (Centerport) - Gold; Riley Burns (Greenlawn) - Gold