Commack High School Volunteers Honored

By Brenda Lentsch

Two Commack High School seniors who have volunteered “significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country” were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc.: Emily Avila and Alexa Tiberia.

Emily devotes an extensive amount of time as a certified member of the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corp. She has taken many classes, including radio-dispatch, and is the only current active riding/dispatcher under the age of 17 in Commack. Emily also volunteers for other Commack organizations, including the Coalition of Caring, Cougar Athletic Camp, Relay for Life, and St. Baldrick’s. Her guidance counselor, Alyson Catinella, said, “Emily has mastered the ability to juggle harmoniously balancing her studies with philanthropy and athleticism. Her indomitable positive spirit and eagerness for each day is infectious.”

Alexa has dedicated countless hours volunteering to support those suffering from cancer, providing entertainment for the elderly, reading to youngsters, and helping athletes with disabilities. She is Vice President of the American Sign Language Honor Society, and has earned the coveted bronze and silver awards in the Girl Scouts.” Jim Del Giudice, her guidance counselor says, “Alexa is tolerant, compassionate, and always smiling. She is one of the most compassionate and emotionally generous young ladies I have ever encountered.”

Congratulations to these fine young ladies! In photo, from left to right: James Del Giudice, Jonathan Macaluso, Director of Guidance, Alexa, Emily, Catherine Nolan, Principal, and Alyson Catinella.