REFLECTIONS ON GROWING UP IN SMITHTOWN

Hauppauge High School Student Nicole Zito was the winner of the Mildred E. Smith Historical Scholarship Contest sponsored by the Smithtown Historical Society. The theme for the 2015 Historical Essay Scholarship Contest was: As you prepare to graduate from a school in the Town of Smithtown and begin the next part of your personal journey, we ask that you reflect on what it means to be from Smithtown. How has Smithtown’s rich heritage and history helped to shape your identity as a Smithtowner? Zito’s winning essay was selected from more than 40 entries, and she will be presented with a $1,000 scholarship at the Historical Society’s up-coming annual dinner.

Zito submitted her essay as part of an optional assignment for Ellen Robbins’ 11th grade AP US History class last year. She competed against other 11th graders from different districts in the Town of Smithtown. “This is the sixth year a student from Hauppauge High School has won this prestigious award,” stated Robbins. “We are very proud of Nicole’s achievement.” According to the Historical Society, “Nicole’s dedication to the Town was portrayed through her writing reflecting on her memories of growing up in Smithtown. Her passion for the Town was evident in her writing.”

Photo: (bottom row, l to r) – Hauppauge Board of Education Member Stacey Weisberg, Hauppauge High School Principal Christine O’Connor, Superintendent of Schools Patricia Sullivan-Kriss, students Elise Zhao and Nicole Zito, and Board Member Michael Buscarino. (top row, l to r) – Board Members James Kiley, Lawrence Crafa, and Gary Fortmeyer; Director of Social Studies and Business Doreen Gordon; Board Vice President Rob Scarito; and Board President David Barshay.

About the Mildred Smith Historical Essay Scholarship Contest

The Smithtown Historical Society is proud to once again offer junior year students in the Township of Smithtown an opportunity to win a $1,000 scholarship. Mildred Smith was an original founder of the Smithtown Historical Society and its first president. She possessed an intense passion for the history of Smithtown and was a great friend and supporter of the Society. The Smithtown Historical Society is proud to honor her though this annual essay contest and hopes that the spirit of Smith will live on in the devotion and hard work of students submitting essays for consideration. The Smithtown Historical Society scholarship contest in her name is open to all 11th graders from Commack, Hauppauge, Kings Park, Smithtown East and West High Schools, The Knox School and Smithtown Christian School. This is the 9th year the contest has been held.