Adam Fagnani Wins TR Renaissance American Award
Theodore Roosevelt holds a special place in American history and folklore. As one of Long Island’s most famous residents, his sprawling Oyster Bay estate, Sagamore Hill is just a short drive from Huntington, making his life an especially attractive study topic for local students.
Each year Huntington High School social studies teachers present the Teddy Roosevelt Renaissance American Award to a graduating senior. It carries a certain prestige around the halls of the school as only a select group of students meet the stringent award criteria.
This year’s recipient, Adam Fagnani, was cited for displaying the same type of perseverance made famous by the indefatigable former president and conservationist. At this year’s presentation, teacher Jordan Gould said Mr. Fagnani “has shown incredible perseverance by fully embracing his student internship and his studies, remaining delicate with those that require his assistance, yet strong in his own convictions.”
Headed to Fordham University in the fall, Mr. Fagnani participated in Huntington’s career internship program as a senior and left a mark. During the award presentation in the high school auditorium, Mr. Gould explained that like TR, Mr. Fagnani “has also recognized the struggle of the oppressed. Last year in a mock court case involving the Civil War, being a lawyer for the North, he gave an incredible heart-felt plea to the jury to truly consider what freedom and equality meant. These simple notions that we take for granted on a daily basis, through his guidance, were truly recognized and cherished.”
This marked the fourth year the award was presented to a Huntington senior. Maggie Johnson was recognized in 2006 and Scott Shaw was honored 2007. Jason Reyes was cited last year. The recipients have encompassed many of the same traits popularized by TR, including a love of the active life, concern for the underdog or the marginalized, patriotism, strong connection to Long Island and its history, powerful public speaking and a well rounded, highly personable character.
“It is true that Roosevelt accomplished much for the common man, the farmer, the consumer and the conservationist, but this wasn’t achieved without cost,” Mr. Gould said. “In fact many historians believe that Teddy was able to fight the good fight, due to the adversity he was challenged with throughout his life. In childhood he overcame asthma and frailty. As a trustbuster and federal arbitrator he had to overcome the lure of corruption and the bullying of big business.”
In Mr. Fagnani, Huntington social studies teachers believe they found a most worthy student to associate with the remarkable life and ideals displayed by the colorful Teddy Roosevelt.
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