The Town of Islip awarded 11 students at their April 8 meeting in honor of the Student Community Service Awards. It was held at the Islip Town Hall, in Islip, at 5:30 p.m. Family and educators filled the room as they gathered to celebrate students who have shown their dedication to both the school and their communities.

“This is a very special annual event; we’re always so excited to be able to recognize some of our outstanding students that are here with us this evening,” town supervisor Angie Carpenter said. “We’re so very fortunate in our town to be the home to so many, many standout schools and students, and tonight we celebrate 11 future leaders who have demonstrated student excellence and made positive contributions in our community.”

The first pair of honorees was introduced by councilman James O’Connor, who is the councilman for their towns. Josiah Garcia attends Central Islip High School and Michael Donlin attends East Islip High School.

Garcia is an AP scholar and is listed as one of the top five in Central Islip High School’s graduating class. He is active in My Brother’s Keeper, a community network that helps provide to boys and young men of color. Garcia assists the Central Islip School District by providing feedback and input on school initiatives, allowing a student point of view.

Donlin has dedicated his time to various volunteer organizations that help others. He has been part of the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips, St. Mary’s Church of East Islip, and served as a camp counselor at Comfort Zone Camp for children who have lost loved ones, Kids Need More, and Sunrise Camps for children with cancer.

The next honorees were introduced by Jorge Guadrón, councilman for the students’ towns: Gabriela Moreta for Brentwood Ross High School and Saira Quadri for Brentwood Sonderling High School.

Moreta was active in the Town of Islip’s Ambassador Program, which brings students from different towns together. She also volunteers in extra-help programs and is part of extracurricular clubs and honor societies. Moreta completed all four stages of the Ambassador Program, making her one of the peace ambassadors for the Brentwood School District.

Quadri, a senior, has been involved with the ROTC and volunteers her time at various organizations such as a Thanksgiving food distribution. She is part of honor societies where she tutors students and also teaches young children the fundamentals of fencing.

Dillon Boeckel from Bayport-Blue Point High School and Grace Garafola from Sayville High School were introduced by John Lorenzo, councilman for Bayport and Sayville.

Boeckel participated in his school’s football team and annual musical. He is active with the Christopher Coluccio Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping those struggling with their mental health or who have been impacted by suicide.

Garafola is an AP student and part of nine clubs, both in and out of school, showcasing her dedication to her school and community. She volunteers planting flowers at the Sayville Common Ground and helps at the soup kitchen and food pantry.

Councilman Michael McElwee, representing Bay Shore and Islip, presented awards for Gianna-Luce Lagredelle of Bay Shore High School and Isabella Maria Dragos of Islip High School.

Lagredelle has been involved in her school as part of a Hello Ambassadors program, where she greets new ELL students, welcoming them to the school. She also is active with Northwell Health, where she is part of the Junior Leadership Council that helps teen health care scholars.

Dragos is a cantor at St. Patrick’s Church and also serves as a mentor for underclassmen at Islip High School. Throughout her high school career, she has contributed over 200 hours of community service both in and out of school.

Carpenter presented the final two students, Isaiah Hayes from Brentwood Freshman Center and Alexandra Martorella from West Islip High School.

Hayes volunteers his time at the Brentwood Public Library, helping individuals of all ages and with other programs. He is active in many clubs at his school, including the Friendship Club, where he made no-sew blankets for pediatric cancer patients at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Martorella has volunteered her time with the Beacon Organization, helping veterans. She has had an impact on the well-being of others both inside and outside the classroom.

The final student recognized was Jenna Zachmann, who couldn’t attend, from Connetquot High School. She has volunteered at the school’s mental health 5K run and is part of a drug and alcohol task force, visiting elementary schools to educate young children about bullying and drug prevention.

“We’re so, so very proud to have so many inspiring members of our community,” Carpenter said. “...We’re in good hands in our future here in the Town of Islip.”