HHS Takes 1-2 in Victor Baptiste
Essay Contest
New Huntington High School graduates Jose Rodriquez and Jessica Flores finished 1-2 in the bilingual/native category of the 2012 American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese Victor Baptiste Essay Contest.
The two teenagers were given stipends and handsome plaques in recognition of their top performance. In addition to Huntington High School, the contest drew entries from Carle Place, Garden City, Jericho, John F. Kennedy/Bellmore, Locust Valley, Long Island Lutheran, Long Island School for the Gifted, North Shore and The Wheatley School.
"Jose wrote about education needing to be a priority in people's lives and Jessica wrote about the importance of improving the economy," Huntington teacher Mercedes Pena said. This year's theme required essay contestants to write about resolving a major problem in the world today.
"Both students wrote spectacular essays that were deep in analyses about how to overcome problems in today's society," Mrs. Pena said. "Their critical thinking skills were impressive and they both were able to be persuasive in their points of view."
In a letter sent to Mrs. Pena, Juana Adames Pugliano, the essay contest coordinator, wrote, "Thanks again for supporting and encouraging your student's participation in this contest, and for your constant love and dedication to the Spanish language!"
Huntington High School teacher Joan Anderson, who Ms. Pena has called a "remarkable" educator, is the president of the AATSP's Long Island chapter.