Suffolk County, NY - June 23, 2016 - Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay has spent the past week traveling to various elementary schools throughout his district to present select students with the Suffolk County Legislature’s Character Excellence Award. This award was established in 2014 and since its inception has been given to exceptional students moving up to the middle school at the nomination of their teachers. The honored students exhibit qualities of strong character, excellent leadership and unmatched integrity.
Though there are many students at all of these schools who have stood out in unique ways, the recipients of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Character Excellence Award attract attention for reasons these students themselves may not even recognize. However, the glowing nominations from their teachers and peers prove that they are the perfect representation of the essence of the award. Their constant demonstrations of exemplary character traits have endeared these students to their entire community.
“These students were chosen as the Character Excellence Award winners because they have gone to extraordinary heights to reveal their true courage, leadership, and perseverance.” said Legis. Lindsay. “As a proud father of my own first grader and seventh grader I know how much is demanded from students, parents, teachers and administrators alike throughout the course of a school year. All of these moving up ceremonies are a great reflection of the growth of these outstanding young students as well as a look ahead to all of their future successes. I urge students to take what they have learned throughout their time in elementary school and apply it to the middle school, high school and beyond.”
Below is the list of the exceptional students honored:
Danielle Wanerka from Merrimac Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award as a result of her contagious enthusiasm and personality. She exhibits the highest integrity both academically and socially and is wise well beyond her age.
Olivia Losardo from Sylvan Avenue Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award as a result of her willingness to help her peers with everything from challenging school work to organization skills to scheduling.
Maya Guacci from Sunrise Drive Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award as a result of her commitment to excellence in the classroom, community and extra-curricular activities. She excels as a member of chorus, select chorus, plays percussion for the school band and is a member of the student council.
Pictured: Waverly Avenue Elementary School's recipient Adrianna Ancilleri with Principal John Ruggero.
Adrianna Ancilleri from Waverly Avenue Elementary School received the Character Excellence award for her participation in the Student Ambassador Program where she demonstrates a unique ability to be a leader and positive role model. She also earned praise for helping students with developmental disabilities acquire social skills as well as lending a helping hand with classwork.
Amanda Kleinman from Cherry Avenue Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award as a result of being delightfully engaging and treating everyone with a high level of respect. She is a well-rounded young lady who always demonstrates integrity and accountability.
Liam Maron from Idle Hour Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award for being considered one of the school’s most outgoing and friendly students. He is applauded for his consistent work ethic that causes him to go above and beyond what is asked of him every single day.
Mikayla Montalvo from Edward J. Bosti Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award as a result of her involvement in enrichment activities which have allowed her to make a difference in people’s lives inside and outside the classroom. She demonstrates an innate sense of empathy that is welcomed by her peers and teachers alike.
Daphne Hicyilmaz from Hiawatha Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award as a result of being such an active participant in class, exemplifying great study habits and consistently working to reach her full potential as well as helping classmates achieve the same.
Andrew Macchio from Nokomis Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award for his remarkable work as student-athlete continuously going the extra mile. His selfless attitude and personality endear him to his peers and teachers as he cannot be thanked enough for his leadership.
Patrick Shanahan from Academy Street Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award for his innate motivation to help others. He participated in the effort to raise money for St. Baldrick’s day to benefit those suffering from cancer as well as consistently finding ways to help classmates in need.
Brianna Adams of Lincoln Avenue Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award for her excellent community service record. This year Brianna completed a ‘Genius Hour’ project to benefit those suffering from cancer and that generosity extends to helping classmates on a day-to-day basis.
Ethan Alcantara, also of Lincoln Avenue Elementary School, received the Character Excellence Award for his success in the classroom and on the field. Ethan is looked at by his classmates and teammates for leadership and guidance which he is always more than willing to provide.
Alexia Temps of John Pearl Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award for her strong moral character, honesty, cheerfulness and responsibility that her teachers rave about. She is someone who realizes the importance of education and demonstrates perseverance and focus when classwork is the toughest.
Madelyn Eads, also of John Pearl Elementary School received the Character Excellence Award for her perpetual cheeriness that is infectious to teachers and classmates alike. She is always willing to help brighten up other student’s days as well as help other students with difficult subject matter.
Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Government Operations, Personnel, Information Technology, and Housing Committee. Bill represents the 8th legislative district which consists of Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Holbrook, Holtsville, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville parts of North Patchogue and Ronkonkoma.