Senator Kaminsky Honors "Student Stars"

(Rockville Centre, New York) – Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky hosted his second annual Student Stars Awards. Senator Kaminsky, along with a bipartisan gathering of elected officials from across the Ninth District, recognized twenty-eight high school leaders who have succeeded academically and given back to their communities. Each recipient was presented with the New York State Senate Student Stars Award.  

“Today is about taking time to recognize extraordinary students who have excelled academically and established themselves as leaders in their communities,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky.  “The students given the NYS Senate Student Stars Award represent the best and brightest that our schools have to offer, and serve as role models for their peers.”

List of Award Recipients:

Long Beach

Sophie Hoffman, Gersh Academy - Long Beach

At Gersh Academy, Sophie Hoffman is dedicated to her studies and has made tremendous progress academically. She is super star “volunteer” at Burlington Coat Factory and TJMAXX, who continues to impress her supervisors with her work ethic. Sophie will be receiving her CDOS certificate and will be a major asset to her community.
 

Baldwin

Devin Murray, The Harriet Eisman Community School - Baldwin

At The Harriet Eisman Community School, Devin Murray is an exceptional student and a role model for other students. Devin transferred to the Harriet Eisman Community School in the summer of 2017 from South Carolina. Devin has had to deal with many challenges, but she persevered through her resilience and motivation to succeed in life. Devin is an altruistic person and someone who others look to for support. She will be working as an intern in her school this summer to help make a documentary of the Community School experience.
 

Lynbrook

Andrea Cardenas, Valley Stream Christian Academy - Lynbrook
At Valley Stream Christian Academy, Andrea Cardenas has achieved excellence in her academics through the dual college courses which she has taken. Andrea is a politically active student, and she involves herself in organizations to promote social awareness. Additionally, she has served as an intern at a New York City law firm.

East Rockaway

Allison Siegel, Lawrence Woodmere Academy - East Rockaway
At Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Allison Siegel is an important part of the community. She is a co-advisor of the Helping Hands Club, and her caring attitude has led to great success for the club. She organizes monthly fundraising events to bring awareness regarding a variety of social issues to the student body. Some issues that she has organized for are Human Rights, Breast Cancer, and Autism awareness. Allison recently rallied students from her school to join the “Walk for Our Life” in Long Beach to raise awareness about the issue of gun violence, where she spoke about the importance of changing gun laws.
 

Woodmere

Israel “Sruli” Fruchter, Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys - Woodmere
At Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys, Sruli Fruchter has many diverse talents that he shares with the school community. He has completed an impressive course load of AP classes, and he is co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper where he actively meets the demands of student journalism. He and his team were recognized with the Adelphi Quill for their achievements. He is also an artist and creative writer, and he launched the Holocaust Literacy Journal, for which he was awarded a gold medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
 

Woodmere

Maayan Sandowski, Midreshet Shalhevet High School for Girls - Woodmere
At Midreshet Shalhevet High School for Girls, Maayan Sandowski is an exceptional student. She is motivated and creative, and is respected by faculty and her peers. She has recently been named as captain of the school’s basketball team. She is an accomplished guitar player and lends her musical talents to various school functions and musicals.
 

Lawrence

Lauren Satran, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School - Lawrence
At Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School, Lauren Satran is not only a scholar, but she is also a leader. She has coordinated two of her school’s community blood drives, was captain of the varsity basketball team, is involved in numerous student clubs, and still makes time to volunteer and raise money for community organizations.

Long Beach

Charlie Grill, Rambam Mesivta - Maimonides High School - Lawrence

At Rambam Mesivta - Maimonides High School, Charlie Grill is an Honors student. His favorite subjects include Calculus and Halacha (Jewish Law). Charlie is Head Coordinator of the Blood Drive and part of the Entrepreneur Academy. He has been part of many teams such as flag football, debate and model UN. Charlie is currently the President of the Bach Synagogue in Long Beach, NY. He has been a counselor at Camp Kaylie (an inclusive camp for children with special needs) and has interned at Cedarview Capital, a New York City hedge fund. Some of Charlie’s favorite hobbies include skiing and playing tennis. After his upcoming graduation, Charlie plans on spending next year studying abroad in Israel and to attend Yeshiva University Honors Program thereafter.

Baldwin

Samuel Salazar, Baldwin High School - Baldwin
At Baldwin High School, Samuel Salazar worked to create a centralized student government system, a testament of his ability to take on challenges and his commitment to public service. Samuel is equally committed to his community and his education; he has engaged in a rigorous course load while serving on his school’s most impressive committees and numerous advisory councils. He has represented his school through the Angelo Del Toro, Puerto/Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute, where he traveled to Albany and participated in a mock assembly. Samuel has been an intern for Senator Kaminsky and will intern next year in his Albany office while he attends college at SUNY Albany.

 

East Rockaway

Christopher Levins, East Rockaway Junior - Senior High School - East Rockaway
At East Rockaway Junior - Senior High School, Christopher Levins has distinguished himself as one of their most outstanding students. He is enrolled in one of their most challenging academic programs, consisting of honors, accelerated, and AP courses, which he approaches with grit and determination. Chris also find the time to contribute to his community as a member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Soccer Team, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and recreational basketball.
 

Hewlett

Daniel Foster, George W. Hewlett High School - Hewlett
At George W. Hewlett High School, Daniel Foster is an exception student and member of the student body. Daniel has thrice served as an attendee of the Systems Thinking and Sustainability Conference, last year serving as a host for the entire conference. He is Co-President of his school’s Youth Leadership Forum, where he leads the charge in his community to address justice, equity, and sustainability. In addition, Daniel serves as the Student Board Member for the District’s Endowment Fund, President of the Environmental Club, and President and Founding Member of the JR Regifting Long Island Chapter. His commitment to community service is outstanding; he has completed countless projects, all while pursuing achievements as a student musician.
 

North Woodmere

Jacqueline Blyudoy, Lawrence High School - North Woodmere
At Lawrence High School, Jacqueline Blyudoy has been remarked as “[making] the Puritans look like slackers,” and indeed she does. From her rigorous academic program, in which she excels at math, history, and more, to her genuine interest in learning, Jacqueline learns from a pure desire to learn. Aside from academics, Jacqueline is a tremendous community servant, serving as President of the History Club and organizing a successful Multicultural Week Assembly.
 

Island Park

Samantha Reichert, Long Beach High School - Island Park
At Long Beach High School, Samantha Reichert exemplifies leadership to the highest order in all of the clubs and activities in which she partakes in. She is a member of her school’s orchestra, a truly talented violinist, as well as a member of the Chamber Club. Samantha is a Vice President for National Honor Society, where she spearheaded a successful fundraiser for Toys for Tots. Samantha remains committed to her schooling, taking high-level academic classes in the IB program, while simultaneously engaging in Diabetes research.
 

Lynbrook
Hope Germamakos, Lynbrook Senior High School - Lynbrook
At Lynbrook Senior High School, Hope Germamakos contributes to both her school and community, without sacrificing her dedication to academics. Hope is a member of the National Honor Society and Toy Lending Club, as well as Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has a passion for music and remains engaged with her school’s concert choir, show choir, pit orchestra, marching and symphonic bands, and wind ensemble. Hope is an active community member; she helped to build a shelter for rescue animals and organized a Swim Across America fundraiser at the Lynbrook Pool. She is a student-athlete as the long-time starting goalie for her varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. Hope is a tremendous asset to Lynbrook and will be at her committed college -- United States Merchant Marine Academy -- as well.
 

Malverne

Gianna Casini-Lendino, Malverne Senior High School - Malverne
At Malverne Senior High School, Gianna Casini-Lendino is an extraordinary student and member of the Malverne community. She is actively involved in many extra-curricular activities, and is a role model of hard work at her school. Throughout high school, Gianna has dedicated herself to her academics, and has continued to achieve high honor roll status after succeeding in Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Gianna volunteers in her community and is highly respected by teachers and peers alike.
 

Oceanside
Julianna Risi, Oceanside Senior High School - Oceanside
At Oceanside Senior High school, Julianna Risi is described as a “born leader.” She was elected by the entire student body as President of the General Organization government, and is a member of several honor societies. She is active in her community, helping Relay for Life raise over $90,000 through her participation in the Cancer Awareness Club, and has interned with the office of Senator Todd Kaminsky. Julianna has enrolled in rigorous courses throughout high school, and she plans to major in Political Science/International Relations with the goal of becoming a lawyer and entering politics. Julianna has been an intern in Senator Kaminsky’s office over the past year and continues to excel at everything she does.

Elmont

Rachel Johnston, Sewanhaka Central High School - Elmont
At Sewanhaka Central High School, Rachel Johnston has had a positive impact on the school community. Rachel is hard-working and has excelled in the classroom. She has taken eight Advanced Placement courses, and will graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma. She has volunteered at an animal shelter in Freeport, and she attended the Columbia University pre-college program. Additionally, Rachel has recently become active as a freelance artist. Rachel excels in her academics, community service, and extracurricular activities.

Elmont

Buchi Emeagwali, Elmont Memorial High School - Elmont
At Elmont Memorial High School, Buchi Emeagwali is a student who is enthusiastic about all that he does, both as a scholar and as a school leader. He is highly regarded by his teachers and his peers, and he has excelled in advanced and Advanced Placement courses. He is a member of the Key Club at Elmont Memorial, and of the award-winning Model United Nations team. He will graduate with an Advanced Regents diploma this June.
 

West Hempstead

Frank Porcasi, H. Frank Carey Junior-Senior High School - West Hempstead
At H. Frank Carey Junior-Senior High School, Frank Porcasi is an impressive student in every area that he is involved with, but has remained humble and modest with all that he has to celebrate. He has focused on taking an array of honors and Advanced Placement courses in an effort to diversify his studies. He was captain of both the Varsity Football and Basketball teams, where he epitomized what it means to be a team player. Frank is ambitious, which can be shown through the fact that he holds the Guinness World Record for knocking down over 3,400 cereal boxes, domino-style, which were then donated to the hurricane relief effort.
 

South Hempstead
Emma Wills-Umdenstock, South Side High School - South Hempstead
At South Side High School, Emma Wills-Umdenstock embodies what it means to be a leader in her school and her community. She is dedicated to her studies and is a full IB diploma candidate. Her involvement in the community is demonstrated through her pursuit of the prestigious Gold Award, as she has been devoted to Girl Scouts since Kindergarten. She is involved in many extracurricular activities, and has most notably excelled as a violinist and in her school’s drama program in a production role.
 

Valley Stream

DeAnna Martin, Valley Stream South High School - Valley Stream
At Valley Stream South High School, DeAnna Martin is a proud leader and role model, and defines what it means to be a scholar athlete. She is an active member in three honor societies, and has been the captain of the Varsity Track Team since her freshman year. In 2017, she was the All County and All Conference Cross Country Champion. At the state qualifier, she won the sportsmanship award. De Anna gives back to her community in many capacities, including as a team leader for Relay for Life, and she participates in her school’s life skills program, where she tutors students and coaches them in Challenger basketball games.
 

Valley Stream

Anthony Cruz, Valley Stream Central High School - Valley Stream
At Valley Stream Central High School, Anthony Cruz is an active member of his school and community. He has undertaken a rigorous course load, contributes immensely to class activities, and is keen to take on leadership roles. Anthony is an important member of his church community, where he serves as a bilingual coordinator because of his conversational abilities in English and Spanish. He is also the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, where he has interviewed elected officials and spoken on DACA and the need to have a student representative on the Board of Education.
 

Valley Stream

Arshia Iqbal, Valley Stream North High School - Valley Stream
At Valley Stream North High School, Arshia Iqbal is a hardworking leader. She is the President of the National Honor Society and has leadership roles on the 2018 Grade Council and their LOTE Honor Society. Arshia is also involved in athletics as the Co-Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team. Arshia is the Valedictorian of her class, and has completed a multitude of Advanced Placement courses. She has logged over 200 hours of volunteer work at her local hospital’s emergency room, and is a role model for younger students at her high school.
 

West Hempstead
Unsha Monaj, West Hempstead High School - West Hempstead
At West Hempstead High School, Unsha Monaj is described as altruistic and insightful. In fourth grade, Unsha immigrated to New York from Bangladesh, where she faced the challenge of learning English and mastering content. She worked hard to overcome this challenge, and now excels in AP, Honors, and College Credit classes, just one example of her perseverance. Unsha is the captain of the Varsity Tennis Team, and she also plays Varsity Badminton. She plans to pursue a career in pharmacy, which she has prepared for through volunteer work at a hospital. During a 2015 trip to Bangladesh she dedicated much of her time to helping people in poverty in the streets.
 

Hewlett

John Michael Magloire, Chaminade High School - Hewlett
At Chaminade High School, John Michael Magliore is an accomplished student and remains engaged in his community of Hewlett. He is a champion on the Speech and Debate Team, where he was named The Great Communicator National Champion of the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series at a competition of top debaters from high schools across the United States. John Michael is an enjoyable and welcoming student to be around. This fall, John Michael will be attending Northwestern University.
 

Baldwin

Tyler Walker, Holy Trinity Diocesan High School - Baldwin
At Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Tyler Walker is a diligent and motivated student, and is involved in his home community of Baldwin. He serves as an editor on the Yearbook Staff, where he worked in design, writing, and research capacities. He is an Eucharistic Minister, and volunteered to help with both the Freshman Orientation and Freshman Faith Day. He is on the baseball team, and remains a role model on the field and in the classroom.
 

East Rockaway

Kaitlin Byrnes, Kellenberg Memorial High School - East Rockaway
At Kellenberg Memorial High School, Kaitlin Byrnes is an outstanding student who excels in the classroom and in her community. She is a New York State Champion in Speech and Debate, and is a part of many other clubs including Mock Trial and the Communications Club. She is a Marianist Mentor and a volunteer in the Parish Religious Education Program, as well as a Eucharistic Minister.
 

Long Beach

Aoife Donohoe, Sacred Heart Academy - Long Beach
At Sacred Heart Academy, Aoife Donohue is successful in her academic pursuits and is involved in community service. She has taken numerous Honors and Advanced Placement courses, and though she is currently undecided on what her future career will be, she is prepared for the challenges that a career in law, medicine, or journalism would bring. Aoife plays three instruments, is involved in the Instrumental Ensemble and musical production Pit Band, and has participated in the NYSSMA festival. She volunteers at the Long Beach Animal Shelter, all while managing part-time work at a Long Beach restaurant.

Students who received Student Stars Awards:

Senior at Gersh Academy, Sophie Hoffman - Long Beach

Senior at The Harriet Eisman Community School, Devin Murray - Baldwin

Senior at Valley Stream Christian Academy, Andrea Cardenas - Lynbrook

Junior at Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Allison Siegel - East Rockaway

Senior at Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva HS for Boys, Israel “Sruli” Fruchter - Woodmere

Senior at Midreshet Shalhevet High School for Girls, Maayan Sandowski - Woodmere

Senior at Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns & Rockaway High School, Lauren Satran - Lawrence

Senior at Rambam Mesivta- Maimonides High School, Charlie Grill - Long Beach

Senior at Baldwin High School, Samuel Salazar - Baldwin

Junior at East Rockaway Junior- Senior High School, Christopher Levins - East Rockaway

Senior at George W. Hewlett High School,  Daniel Foster - Hewlett

Senior at Lawrence Senior High School, Jacqueline Blyudoy - North Woodmere

Senior at Long Beach Senior High School, Samantha Reichert - Island Park

Senior at Lynbrook Senior High School, Hope Germamakos - Lynbrook

Senior at Malverne Senior High School, Gianna Casini-Lendino - Malverne

Senior at Oceanside Senior High School, Julianna Risi - Oceanside

Senior at Sewanhaka Central High School, Rachel Johnston - Elmont

Senior at Elmont Memorial High School, Buchi Emeagwali - Elmont

Senior at H. Frank Carey Junior-Senior High School, Frank Porcasi - West Hempstead

Junior at South Side High School, Emma Wills-Umdenstock - South Hempstead

Senior at Valley Stream South High School, DeAnna Martin - Valley Stream

Senior at Valley Stream Central High School, Anthony Cruz - Valley Stream

Senior at Valley Stream North High School, Arshia Iqbal - Valley Stream

Senior at West Hempstead High School, Unsha Monaj - West Hempstead

Senior at Chaminade High School, John Michael Magloire - Hewlett

Senior at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Tyler Walker - Baldwin

Senior at Kellenberg Memorial High School, Kaitlin Byrnes - East Rockaway

Senior at Sacred Heart Academy, Aoife Donohoe - Long Beach