Walt Whitman HS Student Honored By Legislator Donnelly

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Edilson Palma Romero, a student at Walt Whitman High School, was recognized as the Suffolk County 2022 Youth Week Award Honoree of Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station).

Palma Romero was nominated by Shaahquan Rogers of Tri Community & Youth Agency (Tri CYA) for his outstanding work volunteering with outreach and activity development for the organization’s South Huntington Teen Center. In addition to his leadership role in the Teen Center, Palma Romero has led his fencing team to Counties. He actively participates in several other community services and school awareness events.

In nominating “the amazing young man and student” for recognition, Rogers wrote: “Since
the first day he stepped foot in the Teen Center in November 2020, his presence has been felt.
Edilson focused on making the center a place for all. Edilson assisted in program, outreach and
activity development to bring more students into the center. Edilson is a prime example of the arms open, judgment-free, family-oriented culture we push for in the center. Edilson is also a voice not only for his fellow students but myself as well."

After presenting him with a County Proclamation at the Tri-CYA South Huntington Teen Center,
inside Walt Whitman High School, Donnelly, while joined by Rogers, further honored Palma Romero in the Suffolk County Youth Week virtual recognition ceremony that evening.

“Mr. Palma Romero has worked so hard serving the community, focusing on outreach and
support for his peers, both as a volunteer with Tri-CYA and in many other areas,” Donnelly said. “He is a role model and inspiration and truly deserving of recognition.”