April 18th, 2024 – At the April Town Board meeting, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and members of the town board celebrated 17 future leaders who have demonstrated academic excellence and made positive contributions to their community.

Nataly Quituizaca, a junior at Bay Shore High School, demonstrates her commitment to leadership development and service. Her involvement in providing counseling services at the high school showcases her dedication to supporting her peers, and her active participation to help the youth in the community and the homeless reflects her unwavering dedication to making a lasting positive impact within her community.

Justina Owusu-Safo, is a dedicated senior at Bay Shore High School. As President of the National Honor Society, she takes on a leadership role in organizing and facilitating community service initiatives. She also demonstrates her passion for assisting English Language Learner (ELL) students in acclimating to their new school and country, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and supported.

Jaci Narducci is a senior at Islip High School. Serving as both a Junior Commissioner of Keep Islip Clean and an officer of Islip High School's Keep Islip Clean environmental club, Jaci actively participates in town-wide cleanups, Coastal Cleanups, and recycling programs. As President of the Interact Club, Jaci 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.

Emily Lewis is a senior at Islip High School. A student athlete with many extracurriculars, one of the highlights is her service as the Student Union President. Emily organizes events ensuring an inclusive school atmosphere. Emily's 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 generously shares her beautiful voice by singing at various school events throughout the year, and performs for residents of the Ross Nursing Home and other locations. Ayleen demonstrates true passion for music and a willingness to bring warmth and cheer to those in need. Angel Rojas is a senior at Brentwood High School Sonderling Center. As an active member of Troop 371, Angel has achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He has organized food donations, gathering 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.

Mariam Esmati is a freshman at the Brentwood Freshman Center. She spearheaded the Thanksgiving food drive and steps up for tutoring sessions, or organizing after-school activities. Mariam is 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, Quinn 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. Marisa takes charge in organizing and actively participating in various community service activities, such as food drives and P.S. I Love You Day events and working with young children. Through her selfless efforts, Marisa exemplifies the importance of service and leaves a positive impact on those around her.

Kate Leigh-Manuell, a senior at Sayville High School, demonstrates remarkable dedication to volunteerism and community involvement through her creation of the program "Renewing Tote.” Kate and her cousin established the program to support children entering the foster care system. Kate also organizes fundraisers to generate the necessary funds to assemble these Renewing Totes. Kate's 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. Maddie's 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. Christopher's dedication to serving others shines through in his involvement in the National Honor Society, and his participation in the Student Action Committee. Christopher'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, Amy 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. Amy'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. Kathryn's 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. Kathryn also excels in athletics, participating in Varsity Swimming, Varsity Bowling, and the Blue Thunder Soccer Club. “Congratulations and well done to all! We are so proud to have such inspiring young members as a part of our community. Their efforts, commitments, and devotion prove that all our futures are bright and filled with promise,” said Supervisor Carpenter.