The State Education Department has nominated 25 New York State high school seniors for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said that Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.
- Kylie Drakos, Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School, Cold Spring Harbor Central School District (JD #10)
State Assemblyman Steve Stern said, “I am so proud to announce that Kylie Drakos, a senior at Cold Spring Harbor Junior-Senior High School, was selected by New York State Commissioner of Education, Betty Rosa, as one of only 25 students in New York State to be selected for the Presidential Scholar Award, the most prestigious achievement for high school students in our nation. It was my pleasure to nominate Kylie, as she is an exceptional young woman of great accomplishment and tremendous promise. Through her studies, extracurricular activities, and work as an intern in my Assembly District Office, she has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, a keen intellect, a deep passion for the study of political science, and a maturity far beyond her years. She is an outstanding student and dedicates her time and boundless energy to her school and our community. I can’t wait to see her accomplishments in the future.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars 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.
Application is by invitation only. Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive a U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion in June. For more information on the Presidential Scholars Program, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website(link is external).
Harborfields Athletes Place
Harborfields High School winter track athletes Tristan Blake and Hartley Semmes
placed at the 69th annual Bishop Loughlin Games, held on Dec. 16 at the Ocean Breeze
Athletic Complex in Staten Island. Blake placed third in the triple jump, while Semmes took fourth place in the two-mile race.
Loughlin Games (01): Harborfields High School winter track athletes Tristan Blake (third
place in the triple jump) and Hartley Semmes (fourth place in the two-mile race)
successfully competed at the 69th annual Bishop Loughlin Games on Dec. 16.
Brown Wants Action on Education
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport) said he was shocked by an article in the Times Union that shows New York State’s public school enrollment remained reduced even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with data released by the State Education Department showing that Grades 3 through 8 test scores continue to show subpar outcomes, Brown said,”The mass exodus from our state and the failing curriculum in our public schools are both contributing to this enrollment deficit. Parents are seeking other options to provide their children a safe, stable learning environment so their kids are where they need to be before becoming independent. While our state spends a lot on the education system, student grades in New York still are not up to par when compared with other states—it is our duty to pinpoint what is not working and find solutions so New York students attending our public schools receive the best education possible.”
He plans to work on legislation that aims to review school based peer-to-peer mentoring programs that currently exist and strengthen access to these programs to support students in navigating academics, social-emotional development, and career journeys (A.8040 of 2023). This, along with improving mental health services in schools, rethinking public school curriculums so we can properly assess each student’s learning ability and understanding and working to create an efficient, safe, healthy and exciting learning environment for students statewide are critical steps we must take to improve our State’s test scores and get them back on track.”
Lupinacci Recognizes Girl Scouts Troop 239 for Achieving Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Schools: Honor for St. Anthony’s Principal; Northport Program Recognized