Four local graduating seniors received Certificates of Award totaling $4,000 in the 11th annual William A. Haps Scholarship Awards ceremony, held at Wantagh Fire Headquarters, Monday evening, June 5. Each student will receive $1,000 on entering the college of their choice.

The awards were presented in memory of William A. Haps, a 42-year veteran firefighter who died July 20, 1989. Commissioner Donald Snyder spoke of the students' achievements, and Dora Haps, wife of the late firefighter, presented the awards. Also present were Wantagh High School Principal Dr. Terry O'Connor and representing MacArthur High School, guidance counselor Tom Kupec.

Jonathan Anson of Wantagh High School has maintained a 91.4 average, ranks sixth in a class of 193 and has scored a 1270 on his college boards. In addition to his academic achievements, Anson has been very active in interscholastic track, running cross-country, winter track and spring track. He served as captain of the varsity cross country team and has received All-Conference Honors by placing third in the five-kilometer run with a time of 17.1.

Besides track, Anson was a member of the Wantagh H.S. Symphonic Band, playing the French horn. In addition to his school activities Jon has also played bugle for the American Legion, Boy Scouts and played during the Wantagh Fire Departments Centennial Memorial Service held in February 1999.

Anson's character is best exemplified by his involvement with the Boy Scouts and Habitat for Humanity. He frequently volunteers his services and has taken on such assignments as the landscaping of both the Saint Francis and Christ Lutheran churches. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Anson planned, refurbished and rededicated the memorial plaque in front of the Wantagh American Legion post. In his free time he volunteered in the building of a home for an underprivileged family.

Anson plans to pursue a career in biological science and will attend Binghamton University in the fall. His mother Rita, his dad Richard, brother Christopher and sister Jacqueline accompanied him.

Brooke Beyer of MacArthur High School has a cumulative average of 101.6 and ranks seventh in a class of 247. She has recorded a score of 1130 on her college board exams.

Very active in extracurricular activities, Beyer has participated in the junior varsity and varsity lacrosse teams, varsity track along with the Key Club, National Honor Society, AIDS awareness, Science Olympiads, Science Club, Marching Band, Pep Band and Symphonic Band where she plays first clarinet. Beyer was also a member of the Winter Wind Ensemble Group, which has entertained in the Levittown Hall and Borders Books.

Beyer has been a volunteer at Madonna Heights where she assists in helping troubled teens. In addition, she volunteers at senior citizen homes whereby she assists the elderly. Brooke has also found time to put in some 16 hours a week on Medphone taking health related messages from patients.

Beyer plans to pursue a career in medicine. She will attend Binghamton University this fall and was accompanied to the ceremony by her mother Mathilda and father George.

Richard Cama will graduate from Island Tree High School. This special education student has worked extremely hard to accomplish his dream of pursuing a career in criminal justice and is currently maintaining an 85 percent average in a police science program at BOCES.

Vic Longaro, principal of Island Trees has said, "His teachers have marveled at his work ethic and desire to succeed. He has sought them out for assistance and would not quit until he achieved his desired results. His strongest asset however, is his strength of character. They just don't come any better than this young man. I wish I had a school full of students like him."

Cama was very active in sports while at Island Trees. He played football for four years, lacrosse for four years and wrestled for two years. Last week he was selected as goalie on the All County Lacrosse Team. In addition he was active in the theater arts program where he participated in a production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Cama will attend C.W. Post this fall and although unable to attend the evening's ceremonies, due to a prior commitment at Island Trees, asked that his grandfather Dan Mahoney, a retired N.Y.C. Police Officer accept the award on his behalf.

Rachel Davidson of MacArthur High School has an average of 101.4, ranks eighth in a class of 247 and has attained a score of 1240 on her SATs. She presently is enrolled in all honor courses during her senior year.

Davidson is said to be a very well rounded, conscientious, intelligent and self-motivated student by her guidance counselor. It is because of these qualities and the fact she is mature, and with leadership skills that the faculty chose her to become a member of the very prestigious peer leadership program.

This past year she was chosen captain of the cheerleading squad. In addition she is a member of the Key Club, Mathletes Peer Leaders, and the Stock Market Club. Davidson is also a member of the National Honor Society and performs some 10 hours of service to the community as part of her responsibilities. She is a volunteer counselor in the after school program and has participated in the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Davidson plans to pursue a career in psychology and will attend Binghamton University this fall. Her mother Sydra and dad Melvin accompanied her.