Four Suffolk Students Earn Distinguished Awards

Four Suffolk County students were recognized for their community service, personal growth and achievement as recipients of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award.

Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy honored the four students during an Aug. 19 ceremony marking the culmination of a year of work toward completing the program’s requirements.

The Distinguished Youth Award recognizes Suffolk County residents between the ages of 13 and 18 who complete goals in four areas: volunteer service, personal development, exploration and physical fitness.

Participants earn bronze awards by completing requirements in two of the four categories, silver awards for completing three categories and gold awards for successfully meeting requirements in all four.

Jillian Potenza of Hauppauge High School received a bronze award, while fellow Hauppauge High School student Lindsay TenBrink earned silver.

Ella Muilenburg of Hauppauge Middle School and Logan Singleton of Smithtown High School West each received gold awards after completing requirements in all four categories.

“Every year, I’m blown away by the dedication of the applicants,” Kennedy said. “They always have an impressive story and an impressive way of carrying themselves. I know they will end up being future leaders.”

Kennedy said the accomplishments of this year’s recipients demonstrate the willingness of young people throughout Suffolk County to devote their time to improving themselves and serving their communities.

The Distinguished Youth Award Program is offered annually through the Suffolk County Legislature and provides teenagers with an opportunity to set and achieve goals while becoming more involved in their communities.

Kennedy represents Suffolk County’s 12th Legislative District, which includes Smithtown, Nesconset, Hauppauge, the Village of the Branch, Lake Grove and portions of Commack, Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma and Centereach.