Outstanding Photographer Award Presented to Arly Moreira Portillo

Senior Arly Moreira Portillo is this year’s recipient of Huntington High School’s Outstanding Achievement in Photography Award. Art teacher Kim Valerio made the presentation at the academic awards and scholarships ceremony in the auditorium.

Ms. Moreira is a remarkably creative and talented young woman with a real flair for photography. She has studied for years with Huntington art teacher Pamela Piffard-Williams, who leads the high school’s photography program.

Recognized as a Distinguished Senior this spring after compiling an academic grade average of at least a 90 during every semester of high school, Ms. Moreira won a top award in the Huntington Camera Club’s annual high school competition last spring.

“The key to my success has been notetaking and writing notes to myself like due dates and reminders for upcoming events, as well as seeking help when I need it from teachers whenever I’m confused on work or homework,” Ms. Moreira said. “I’ve enjoyed meeting new people that have led to growing friendships, along with getting to know my teachers and having that support from them. My highlights of my extracurricular involvement have been joining stage crew and girls’ wrestling. They both taught me many things like it takes a little for your hard work to pay off. They also taught me how to be a team player and taught me to push myself to success. I’ve overcome challenges and that made me a better person.”

The Class of 2026 member intends to study childhood/elementary education at Hofstra University.