Islip Town Honors 17 Suffolk Students For Community Service Efforts

ISLIP, NY — It's not easy being a teenager, but some Suffolk County students are going above and beyond while navigating high school life and their commitment community service.

At the April Islip Town Board (ITB) meeting, 17 students were honored by Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and members of the town board who presented the students with Community Service Awards.

According to the board, the "future leaders" were honored for their "demonstrated academic excellence and positive contributions to their community."

“Congratulations and well done to all. We are so proud to have such inspiring young members as a part of our community," said Supervisor Carpenter. "Their efforts, commitments and devotion prove that all our futures are bright and filled with promise."

The students hail from numerous Suffolk schools, including Bay Shore High School, Islip High School, Brentwood Freshman Center, East Islip High School, Brentwood High School Sonderling Center, Sayville High School, Central High School, Brentwood Freshman Center, Bayport-Blue Point High School and West Islip High Schools.

Learn more about the students in their bios below.

• Nataly Quituizaca is a junior at Bay Shore High School. According to ITB, "she demonstrates her commitment to leadership development and service." Quituizaca showcases her dedication to help her peers by providing counseling services at the high school. Her work with the homeless "reflects her unwavering dedication to making a lasting positive impact within her community."
• Justina Owusu-Safo is a senior at Bay Shore High School. She's president of the National Honor Society where she takes on a leadership role in organizing and facilitating community service initiatives. Owusu-Safo also demonstrates her passion for assisting English Language Learner students in acclimating to their new school and country, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and supported, ITB said.
• Jaci Narducci is a senior at Islip High School. She serves as a junior commissioner of Keep Islip Clean and an officer of the school's Keep Islip Clean environmental club. Additionally, Narducci actively participates in town-wide cleanups, coastal cleanups and recycling programs. As President of the Interact Club, she promotes volunteerism and her participation in programs like SPARK and the Women in Science and Engineering Program reflects her commitment to personal growth and academic excellence, ITB said.
• Emily Lewis is a senior at Islip High School. She's a student athlete involved in many extracurriculars and serves as president of the Student Union. Lewis also organizes events ensuring an inclusive school atmosphere. According to ITB, her "compassionate nature shines through her involvement in bereavement camps where she provides invaluable support to children grappling with the loss of a loved one."
• Ayleen Reyes is a freshman at the Brentwood Freshman Center. She shares her voice by singing at various school events throughout the year and performs for residents of the Ross Nursing Home and other locations. Reyes demonstrates true passion for music and a willingness to bring warmth and cheer to those in need, ITB said.
• Angel Rojas is a senior at Brentwood High School Sonderling Center. He's an active member of Troop 371 where he's achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Rojas has organized food donations which have gathered over 1,200 pounds of food. Additionally, Angel's Eagle Scout project led to the construction of a new "Welcome to Brentwood" sign, leaving a lasting impact on his hometown.
• Keylin Y. Ruiz is a senior at Brentwood High School Sonderling Center. She assists with "Compassion in Action," making a meaningful impact on those facing food insecurity and volunteers at her church. Keylin also serves as secretary of the Sonderling Center's National Honor Society. As one of the top 10 students in her graduating class, Keylin's dedication to both her studies and her community sets a shining example for her peers, according to ITB.
• Mariam Esmati is a freshman at the Brentwood Freshman Center. She spearheaded the Thanksgiving food drive and steps up for tutoring sessions and organizes after-school activities. She's also a board member of the high school's Student Council.
• Quinn Carroll is a senior at Bayport-Blue Point High School. As a prominent figure in the annual Kris Kringle event he helps raise funds to support families in need. Through his selfless efforts, including anonymous acts of kindness, he exemplifies the values of empathy and generosity, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
• Marisa Carney is a senior at Bayport-Blue Point High School. She takes charge in organizing and actively participating in various community service activities, including food drives and P.S. I Love You Day events and working with young children. ITB says she "exemplifies the importance of service and leaves a positive impact on those around her."
• Kate Leigh-Manuell is a senior at Sayville High School who demonstrates her dedication to volunteerism and community involvement through her creation of the program "Renewing Tote.” She and her cousin established the program to support children entering the foster care system. Leigh-Manuell also organizes fundraisers to generate the necessary funds to assemble these Renewing Totes. Her selflessness and commitment to making a positive impact exemplify the spirit of compassionate leadership.
• Madeline "Maddie" McKillop is a senior at Sayville High School. Despite being a three-sport varsity athlete, Maddie actively engages in various clubs and service organizations: such as a peer leader; membership in the Key Club; a volunteer at blood drives, and her role in the Leadership Club. Her philanthropic spirit shines through her volunteering efforts, exemplifying true leadership and compassion.
• Anisa Spann is a senior at Central Islip High School. She is a member of CI Connects for Change, serves as a Junior Commissioner for Keep Islip Clean, organizes Breakfast with Santa events, and participates in Student Council activities. Her efforts showcase her compassion and initiative in making a positive impact both locally and globally.
• Christopher Hidalgo is a senior at Central Islip High School. He has beautified campuses across the Central Islip School District with his vibrant murals. Hidalgo's dedication to serving others shines through in his involvement in the National Honor Society and his participation in the Student Action Committee. Hidalgo's diverse contributions highlight his unwavering dedication to both artistic expression and community betterment.
• Lindsey Roses is a senior at East Islip High School. As a student helper she assists students in special education. Her extensive involvement in extracurricular activities includes memberships in various clubs such as the National Art Honor Society, Photography Club, Foreign Language Honor Society, Art Club, Peer Support, SADD, Yearbook Club, Interact Club and French Club. Lindsey possesses a unique ability to bring together different communities within the school.
• Emma Johnson is a senior at East Islip High School. As the co-president of the National Honor Society, Emma has organized impactful leadership projects. She also serves as president of the Interact Club and is a member of the Key Club and RYLA. Emma's leadership and enthusiasm make her an integral part of the success of the National Honor Society and a driving force for positive change in her school and community.
• Amy McCann is a senior at West Islip High School. Beyond her academic achievement, she's has exhibited exceptional leadership skills as the captain of her junior varsity tennis and lacrosse teams, and as the president of her graduating class. She also volunteers at her local church and for the PTSA. McCann's compassion and inclusivity are further highlighted by her commitment to embracing students with different abilities. She fosters acceptance among her peers and makes a positive impact on the entire school community.
• Kathryn Mushorn is an exceptional student at West Islip High School. Her leadership qualities are evident through her involvement in multiple honor societies, her role as the president of the Science Olympiads and her position as the vice president/student representative of the Parent Teacher Student Association. She also excels in athletics, participating in varsity swimming, varsity bowling and the Blue Thunder Soccer Club.