The Long Island National Organization for Women (NOW) awarded two Elmont Memorial High School seniors, Melissa Charles and Corinne Durand, with the Young Women of Achievement Award. The NOW committee selects the top young women from schools on a national level based on the involvement of female students who have excelled in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership and community service. Melissa Charles and Corinne Durand received the Young Women of Achievement Award at a ceremony on Oct. 17 at the Hofstra USA Club.

Both of these Elmont students are certainly deserving of this recognition. Corinne Durand is ranked fifth in the class of 2000 with a weighed GPA of 98.8. Corinne plays for the varsity volleyball and lacrosse teams, is a member of the Key Club, the Intercultural Club, TAG and plays in the orchestra. A member of the National Honor Society, Corinne hopes to continue her academic success at Cornell University next year where she will study Veterinary Medicine.

Melissa Charles is ranked first in the class of 2000 with a weighed GPA of 101.2 and is the valedictorian of her senior class. Melissa is an active member of the Peer Helper Program run through Elmont Memorial High School where she donates much of her time helping the younger students in the school. Melissa takes part in Elmont High School's Drama and Musical, is a member of the National Honor Society, TAG, plays in the orchestra and is in the Intercultural Club. Melissa also dedicates herself to St. Boniface Church where she volunteers teaching religion. Melissa hopes to attend Brown University where she wants to be a Pre-Med major.

Congratulations to both Melissa Charles and Corinne Durand on their oustanding achievements and being recognized with the Young Women of Achievement Award.