Nicole Abbondandelo and Natale Amato are two of the leading members of Huntington High School’s Class of 2018, shining academically, athletically and socially and capturing the respect and affection of their teachers, coaches and classmates.
The senior duo’s remarkable academic performance, impressive character, superb citizenship and exceptional abilities were formally recognized by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance during a dinner at the Long Island Hyatt Regency at Wind Watch in Hauppauge this past Wednesday night.
Superintendent James W. Polansky and Huntington High School Principal Brenden Cusack attended the dinner along with Ms. Abbondandelo and Mr. Amato. “We are so proud of Nicole and Nat for receiving this fabulous award and for their outstanding performance over the past four years,” said Georgia McCarthy, district director of health, physical education and interscholastic athletics.
The Suffolk Zone annually honors one senior male and female student from each high school in the county. The award recognizes outstanding performance in physical education class over the course of high school.
To be eligible for the Suffolk Zone Award students must have earned at least a 90 average in physical education class and a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average in all classes prior to the senior year, demonstrate outstanding character, show leadership skills in both physical education class and general school-wide activities and serve as a role model for other students.
Nicole Abbondandelo
Ms. Abbondandelo carries a 95 overall academic average and a 99 in physical education. She has served as captain of the varsity soccer, winter track and spring track teams. A member of the National Honor Society as well as the Social Studies, Italian and English honor societies, the teenager is a Natural Helper and volunteers with Tri-CYA.
President of the Young Leaders youth development organization, Ms. Abbondandelo also participates in Huntington’s Key Club chapter.
The Blue Devil star has won All-League, All-Division and All-County honors as an athlete. Ms. Abbondandelo is headed to Lehigh University in the fall. She is undecided on a major.
“Physical education has taught me that no matter what stage of fitness you are in, there is always room for improvement as long as you buy in and work hard,” Ms. Abbondandelo said.
Natale Amato
Mr. Amato has starred on the soccer, football, basketball and lacrosse teams. He’s captured All-League, All-Conference and All-County recognition and won several scholar athlete awards.
The teenager has compiled a 101 overall academic grade average and a 99 in physical education. A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, Mr. Amato has also been inducted into the Science, Spanish, English and Social Studies honor societies.
While the senior hasn’t finalized his college plans just yet, he is interested in studying mathematics or business. Mr. Amato has volunteered with the homework helpers club and has participated in various community service activities with Young Leaders.
“Physical education has taught me to never give up on a task and with hard work, anything can be accomplished,” Mr. Amato said. “It is also a great way to bring people together.”
