With summer program experiences approaching completion, the Manhasset School Community Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2001 Summer Study Awards. Twenty-one financial awards were granted this year. Since 1953, the SCA has allocated a substantial part of its annual budget for the Summer Study Program. Awards are presented to Manhasset High School students who wish to spend part or all of the summer between their junior and senior years participating in an enrichment type activity. The tremendous success of the SCA Fair and Luncheon make funding for this program and others possible.

Applicants for Summer Study Awards complete a rigorous application procedure. They are required to submit an autobiographical essay and a description of their summer program, provide two teacher recommendations and be interviewed by the 12-member committee. The committee consists of SCA and community representatives, faculty members and guidance counselors.

This year's recipients have chosen programs that are both academic and extracurricular. They each promise to be exciting and enjoyable, yet all involve a great deal of hard work and dedication.

Rachel Alkon, who enjoys writing, will be attending Alfred University's Summer Writing Institute in Alfred, NY. Rachel is a Peer Responder at Manhasset High School's Writing Center, as well as a Peer AIDS educator in the community. Rachel has also worked as a counselor at Friends Academy Day Camp.

Eliza Ayarza will be in Spain, studying Spanish, while living with a Spanish family. At MHS, she has enjoyed participating in Spanish Honor Society activities ranging from tutoring to attending Spanish operas. Eliza has also been involved in student government, as well as MHS Anti-Bias Committee.

Alvin Chen, who has run both indoor and outdoor track for three years, was selected to participate in a program for athletes from all over the world, the World Scholar-Athlete Games. Alan, president of the Key Club, is also an active member of MHS Anti-Bias Committee.

Alvin Chen also chose to attend the World Scholar-Athlete Games. Alvin has been involved in athletic activities at Manhasset High School, such as varsity volleyball, track, soccer and cross-country. Alvin also enjoys being involved in Youth Council Activities, such as spending time with the elderly.

Juah Chung was able to pursue her interest in math research at a program called Polytechnic University's Center for Youth in Engineering and Science. At this program, she will have the opportunity to work in laboratories under the guidance of faculty. In her free time, Juah plays the flute, the piccolo and the piano.

Having spent the last three years in Manhasset High School's Advanced Science Research program, Megan Fleming chose to pursue her interests at the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, held in Washington, DC. There she will be given the opportunity to study with distinguished medical leaders. Megan has also been involved in many aspects of the arts such as the school play Brigadoon, the fiddle group and chamber orchestra, and modern dance.

Susan Gallo will enjoy the American Academy of Dramatic Arts Summer program. This intensive theatre experience is specifically designed for those "who would like to test their interest and ability in an environment of professional training." Susan is also enthusiastically involved in many high school activities ranging from cast and crew to tutoring. As a community member, she also devotes much of her time to the Young Life Movement.

Kiera Gilhooly is pursuing her dream to study at Notre Dame University. Having been interested in this school for a long time, she is now able to attend the Notre Dame Pre-College Program in Business/Entrepreneurship. Kiera has been swimming competitively in the Long Island Swim League for many years and has been on the high school Varsity team for three years.

Allegra Giovine has been committed to helping children in various mental health programs and has chosen to further explore this area by participating in an internship at the National Institute of Mental Health in Maryland. At this program, Allegra will have the opportunity to work with doctors to study the central nervous system metabolism. At MHS, Allegra has been involved in yearbook activities.

Paige Greenfield truly enjoys dance and constructed a summer program enabling her to participate in three dance workshops in New York City: Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center and Yoga Zone. This way, she will be taking numerous dance classes each day, while learning all different styles and techniques. This year, Paige was the dance captain for the fall musical, Oliver! as well as part of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. She has also been an active member of the Anti-Bias Committee.

Nandita Gupta, a member of the Intel Class of 2002, has obtained a mentorship this summer at Michigan State University. In addition of Science Research, she is a participant in Mathletes. Nandita is also on Varsity softball and tennis teams, and writes for the Phoenix and Writer's Quarterly.

An asset to MHS Theater department, David Joffe has had roles in The Odd Couple, Brigadoon, Our Town, Oliver!, and a Midsummer Night's Dream. David was selected to attend New York State Summer School of the Arts, a program that will enable him to work on his craft intensively.

Jonathan Lii, another industrious high school student, is the treasurer for the Class of 2002. He has also contributed many hours of community service to North Shore University Hospital. Jonathan chose to attend "Introduction to Chinese," as he had a strong desire to learn Chinese. This court is being offered at Harvard Summer School.

Music is an important part of Vince McGill's life. He is a bass player in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and now has the opportunity to travel to China for three weeks to perform with this group. Vince also has been actively involved in MHS theatre group, as well as the Mock Trial and Debate Team.

David Messineo has studied art extensively at MHS, as well as attending the School of Visual Art's pre-college summer program. This summer David chooses to continue his portfolio studies at the Huntington School of Fine Arts. David has also been extensively involved in theater department activities; he is a member of MHS Repertory Company and was the lighting director for Oliver! He also designed the promotional poster for this show.

George Pappas is traveling to Greece to participate in the Ionian Village - a summer camp and travel program for young people. Excursions are made to different areas and many aspects of Greek culture will be explored. At MHS, George has been involved in student government.

Catherina Perifimos attended that National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and on Health Care, a program designed for aspiring physicians. At MHS, Catherina is involved in a multitude of activities, including field hockey, varsity softball, the Anti-Bias Committee and student government.

An integral part of Manhasset's choral program, David Rosenberg is a member of the Manhasset Concert Choir and Select Ensemble. In pursuing further studies in this area, David has chosen to attend the Westminster Vocal Institute. David has also contributed to our community as a crewmember for Public Access Television and as a volunteer counselor for Summer Center.

Erica Valentino is attending Young Life Properties with "Work Crew.' She will be volunteering at a camp for teenagers, hoping to give them "the best week of their lives." At MHS, Erica has been involved with student government and was the writing editor for the Phoenix.

Another attendee to the Westminster Vocal Institute is Erica Wright, a member of the high school's Women's Choir and Select Ensemble. Erica is also a member of the All-County Women's choir. In addition to signing, Erica enjoys playing soccer and softball.

Dominique Zino has chosen to attend Southampton College Summer Program for high school students. The drawing workshop she will attend features both still life and model drawing. Dominique also plays the clarinet and has served as publicity secretary for Manhasset Youth Council.

The SCA Summer Study Committee this year included Chairperson Judy Rubin; guidance counselors Veronica Ammirati and Jane Grappone; director of music and the arts Barbara Tancedi, faculty member Elliot Wong; SCA representatives Andrea Kaminsky, Candy Cucharo, Margo Christofer, Carol Egan, Leslie Levor, Allyn Udell and community representative Margaret Ledar. The entire community looks forward to welcoming these students home in the fall to hear of their experiences and accomplishments and to, once again, reap the benefit that the tradition of SCA support of enrichment has brought to Manhasset for so many years.