Westhampton Beach Junior Expands Horizons At Prestigious Stanford Program

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A Westhampton Beach High School junior expanded her horizons this summer .

Julianna Najdzion recently participated in the prestigious Stanford Summer Humanities Institute, a "rigorous three-week academic program at Stanford University that brings together exceptional students from around the world," the Westhampton Beach School District said.

Based on her academic qualifications and teacher recommendations, Najdzion was one of 100 students selected to participate in the highly competitive program, which has an acceptance rate of less than 10 percent, district officials said.

Through the institute, Najdzion engaged in college-level study and discussion under Stanford University professors. She also worked alongside Stanford faculty to conduct research and write a research paper, "gaining valuable experience in academic research, writing and critical analysis," district officials said.

"Her participation in the institute is one of many accomplishments that reflect her commitment to academic excellence," district officials added.

She has maintained straight As while taking some of her school’s most challenging courses and is consistently named to the Principal’s Honor Roll, district officials said.

She is also a member of her school’s Model UN and Debate Club.

Beyond academics, Najdzion has accumulated more than 250 hours of community service through organizations including Quogue Wildlife Refuge and Riverhead Polish Hall and has served as a student director of the East Quogue Elementary School Drama Club, district officials said.

She is a member of Southampton Town Youth Bureau’s Youth Advisory Committee and will serve as chairwoman this school year, district officials said.

She is also working toward the Distinguished Youth Award with Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker.

Najdzion is also involved with the YMCA’s Youth and Government program, where she served as a service-learning liaison last year, district officials said.

Through her involvement with Southampton Town, she has traveled to Albany for advocacy days, meeting with state senators and Assembly members to discuss issues important to young people and the community. In addition, as an active participant in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, she attended the program’s spring conference and will attend its fall event, district officials said.