Suffolk Zone Honors Huntington
Senior Duo
Seniors Samantha Lynch and Justin Weigold are two of Huntington High School’s finest students and top athletes. Their accomplishments speak for themselves.
The teenagers’ sensational academic performance, outstanding character, exceptional citizenship and remarkable leadership abilities were formally recognized by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance during a recent dinner at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch in Hauppauge.
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky, District Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Georgia D. McCarthy and high school dean and athletic coach Ronald Wilson attended the dinner with Ms. Lynch and Mr. Weigold, along with the senior’s parents.
The Suffolk Zone 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.
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors, Ms. Lynch is vice president of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, secretary of the Math Honor Society and a member of the Spanish, English and Social Studies honor societies.
The teenager has captained the Blue Devil soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. Ms. Lynch is headed to the University of Notre Dame near South Bend, Indiana on a lacrosse scholarship. She is interested in studying either engineering or business.
“Receiving the Suffolk Zone Award was such an honor,” Ms. Lynch said. “I had a great time meeting and speaking with many of the winners from other schools who share my love for athletics and physical fitness in general. It was amazing to see so many students working to better themselves and their school communities through their contributions to physical education.”
Ms. Lynch has participated in community service activities with Huntington’s honor societies and Young Leaders and also joined initiatives involving Kicks 4 Cancer and Relay For Life.
“I have learned a lot through Huntington’s Blue Devil fitness program, including techniques that I will need as a college athlete,” Ms. Lynch said. “Much of this I owe to my amazing PE teacher Mr. [Jamie] Fishlow, who was also honored at the dinner as Suffolk’s Secondary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.”
Justin Weigold honored
A member of Huntington’s National Honor Society chapter, Mr. Weigold has won numerous academic awards over the years. Captain of the Blue Devil football team, he also plays on the varsity lacrosse squad.
The senior has actively participated in Young Leaders, Habitat for Humanity, Natural Helpers, Science Olympiad and Huntington’s robotics club. He has volunteered with Special Olympics and participated in Rotary International’s youth leadership conference.
Mr. Weigold said his top choice for college is currently SUNY Maritime. He also plans to apply to Union College, Catholic University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is interested in participating in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program in college. The teenager is considering studying mechanical or electrical engineering. He also has an interest in naval architecture.
“I am very honored to receive such a great award,” Mr. Weigold said. “It was great to see other people who share the same drive as I do to do well in school and stay active.”