H-ton English Honor Society Prez Shares Thoughts
Senior Sabrina Palacios gave an uplifting address at last month’s induction ceremony for Huntington High School’s Post Ellipsis chapter of the National English Honor Society.
Ms. Palacios is the organization’s president. The teenager’s thoughts were addressed to the society’s prospective members, who were inducted that same night as current members, faculty members and administrators, parents and district officials looked on in the auditorium.
“‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,’” Ms. Palacios said. “President John Quincy Adams immortalized these words and I want each and every one of you to take them to heart as you are inducted into the National English Honor Society. For you are the next generation of Huntington High School’s literary scholars. In each of you is the potential to become a strong leader, not only learning to express yourself through the English language, but also learning to use your talents to help others.”
One of the top seniors academically in Huntington’s Class of 2016, Ms. Palacios has been accepted by the University of Pennsylvania as a member of next fall’s freshman class. A member of the Young Leaders youth development organization and Suffolk Legislator William Spencer’s Youth Leadership Council, she also participates in Huntington Matters as its community watch youth coordinator and as a sector leader for Friends of the Huntington Station Latin Quarter.
Founder and president of the Bilingual Buddies mentoring program, Ms. Palacios has been tireless in her efforts to help children new to this country who speak primarily Spanish assimilate into the school district.
“English has helped me find my place in this community from the beginning,” Ms. Palacios told the induction ceremony crowd. “Through the English Honor Society, I learned how to coordinate meetings, follow schedules and inspire others to report on all of the important events here within our school. My creativity took over in my English classes, leading to short stories and new ideas. Through Bilingual Buddies, I helped struggling students improve their English skills within the Jack Abrams School bridge program. Through English, I became a leader.”
A key member of the Blue Devil soccer and spring track teams, Ms. Palacios is proud of her Hispanic heritage. Her grandparents immigrated to the US from Ecuador in 1968 and she has been raised with many of that country’s traditions. The senior earned a Town of Huntington Hispanic Achievement Award last fall.
“No matter what path you embark on during your high school career, there will always be literary opportunities for you to help others and to help yourself,” Ms. Palacios said at the induction ceremony. “As the next generation, it is up to you to take advantage of these possibilities and make the most of your abilities. Remember the words of President Adams. Inspire others to learn more, do more and become more. I have faith you all will become leaders, helping make Huntington High School’s diverse student body one that embraces literacy for all cultures and helps those in need reach academic excellence in the English language arts.”