Scholarships Awarded To Dozens Of Northport HS Seniors

NORTHPORT, NY — More than 80 Northport High School seniors who were awarded scholarships were recognized at the 51st Annual Senior Awards Ceremony, the school district announced.

The event honors those who have been active in their school, their community and have shown tremendous spirit and resiliency.

Awards were presented by various members of administration and scholarship providers, which include community members and local organizations.

Scholarships ranged from $100 to $5,000 for students continuing their education or entering the
armed forces or work force. Each scholarship has unique criteria which students must meet to be
eligible and often include a personal essay or letter. A common theme throughout presenters'
speeches was the number of terrific students who had applied and how difficult it was to select
winners.

During a surprise award announcement, seniors Ava Mir, Samuel Rosenfeld-McMahon, John
Dwyer and Dessa Kavrakis presented Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer with a special
"Heart of a Tiger" award as thanks for his nearly eight years as leader of the district.

After accepting his plaque, Banzer addressed the crowd and acknowledged that the entire student body, staff and community are what make Northport-East Northport such a special place.

"Our school community, our Board of Education, administration, the teachers and everybody, our support staff; it’s just an incredible, incredible place," Banzer said. "I am so honored to be awarded this; this means the world to me. I am so thankful, and I want to wish the best to our senior class."

Banzer announced his retirement in January.

Principal Rob Dennis also addressed the crowd, sharing his belief that educators and school
staff work as a "moving team" to help students move ahead in their lives.

"It is our job as educators to work with the students that we have and take them from their current location to their next destination," he said. "I have the distinct, unique privilege to say that I have learned from, talked with, and may now work alongside so many of these wonderful students."

At the end of the event, the district also recognized dozens of teachers and staff who were selected as "Staff Members Who Made a Difference." Dennis recognized the students’ successes depend on a support system comprised of families, community and teachers.

"Congratulations to these remarkable students on their success!" the school district wrote.

The award winners are: