Melville Student Honored With Suffolk County Citizenship Award

MELVILLE, NY — A Half Hollow Hills High School East graduate was recently honored for his character, leadership and commitment to others.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly presented Matthew Howell of Melville with the 2026 Legislator Donnelly Citizenship Award during the school’s Senior Awards Ceremony on May 28.

Howell was selected by school administrators, who described him as a hardworking and compassionate student who maintained a strong academic record while balancing leadership responsibilities and personal challenges with maturity and a positive outlook.

Donnelly also presented Howell with a Suffolk County proclamation recognizing his accomplishments.

“Matthew Howell is an outstanding young man whose character, determination and compassion for others truly embody the spirit of the Citizenship Award,” Donnelly said. “I know he has a bright future ahead of him, and it is a pleasure to recognize him and his accomplishments.”