North H.S. Senior Awards Night Puts Focus On Hard Work, Community Service

More than 50 graduating seniors from the Class of 2010 at Clarkstown North High School received scholarships and awards for their academic accomplishments, community involvement, athletic abilities and various other achievements at a ceremony in New City Wednesday night.

Principal Harry Leonardatos was truly delighted as he hosted the joyous ceremony. 

"It makes me so proud as a principal to see all these students receive all these awards in so many categories … athletics, music, arts, community …" said Leonardatos.  "I am also sad. I have gotten to know these students for the last four years, and I am sure that they will have a positive impact on the world.  I am positive of their success."

A number of students received local scholarships and awards to aid them in continuing their education.  The Congers/Valley Cottage Rotary Club awarded Sarah Guerra with a lifesize check for her dedication to the community, her academic achievements and future goals.

The New York Blood Center, which supplies blood for area hospitals, was also on hand to award several scholarships.  Most of their blood donations come from high school blood drives and Clarkstown High School's have been very productive with drives.

Big winners were valedictorian Arielle Friehling and salutatorian Jamie Etkind.  Both  took home several awards and scholarships, which included all categories such as academia, athletic, character and leadership awards.

Jamie Etkind, a well-rounded student, who not only excels in the classroom, but on the piano and track field as well, was ecstatic.

"Its exciting, I know I've worked really hard all of my high school career, so it's exciting to be at the end of it and receive all these awards," she said.  Etkind will be attending the University of Pennsylvania this fall and is looking forward to starting her college career.

Valedictorian Arielle Friehling was equally humble and proud of her success.

 "After so many years dedicated to school work it's special to be valedictorian of my class and be acknowledged by my peers and teachers…It's also a great feeling to be acknowledged by my community," Friehling said.

She was awarded a number of the local scholarships, including the $500 Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Scholarship based on leadership.  She will be a freshman at Emory University in Atlanta this fall.

The Senior Awards Ceremony, is just part of closing the high school chapter for students.  Clarkstown North students will continue to celebrate the end of their senior year with their prom tonight at the Pearl River Hilton.