NYS School Business Award Presented to Mabelin Maldonado Licona

The Association of School Business Officials of New York has awarded Huntington High School Class of 2026 Mabelin Maldonado Licona with a $500 scholarship in recognition of her exceptional achievements and future potential in the world of finance.

Superintendent Beth M. McCoy presented the award on behalf of Huntington UFSD Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services Dr. Rubie Harris during Huntington High School’s senior scholarship and awards night ceremony. Dr. Harris serves on the board of directors of the New York State Association of School Business Officials.

Founded in 1948, ASBO New York’s members are recognized as experts in school finance and operations and leaders in education. The organization supports the professional growth of its members and serves as the leading resource on school finance statewide, advocating for quality education for all students. The group boasts about 3,000 members representing 705 school districts and BOCES units and 350 companies.

“The key to my success has been knowing my limits,” Ms. Maldonado Licona said. “I can push myself to do harder things but if it takes to much away from me, I know it’s okay to step back and do something more manageable.”

She said another key to success has been “having a supportive circle around me, like my family and my friends,” Ms. Maldonado Licona said. “I’ve enjoyed the following aspects of my high school career the most; taking new classes, especially electives, to really dive into all different interests I may have. The reason I discovered my passion for business was because I stepped out of my comfort zone and took business classes. These are the highlights of my extracurricular involvement: President of Habitat for Humanity, Natural Helpers, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, National Honor Society and being a cross country runner.”

Named a Distinguished Senior last spring, Ms. Maldonado Licona will be studying international business and marketing at the University of Tampa.