In a previous edition of this newspaper, students at Great Neck North and South high schools were recognized for the traditional top awards – valedictorian, salutatorian, Barstow, and Scott Moss. Recognition is also given to students who received new awards.
There were two, first-time awards presented this year, both at South High School – the Harriet Miller Girls’ Empowerment Scholarship and the Jeff Sanders Memorial Award for Social Justice.
Senia Romero is the recipient of the Harriet Miller Girls’ Empowerment Scholarship. This award was established by the Great Neck South Middle School staff in memory of Harriet Miller, a beloved guidance counselor at the school.
Miller possessed a deep commitment to assisting at-risk girls and developed the “Girls’ Empowerment Group” at South Middle. The scholarship honors and continues Ms. Miller’s passion for providing positive alternatives and opportunities for teen girls.
The scholarship is to be given to a South High graduating senior female student “who has demonstrated perseverance and tenacity despite socioeconomic and other environmental factors, in pursing her education.” Senia plans to attend CUNY-Queensborough Community College in the fall.
Houng Woo (Chris) Choi is the recipient of the Jeff Sanders Memorial Award for Social Justice. This award was established by the Sanders family in memory of Jeff Sanders, a graduate of South High School who was among the first students to serve as Student Delegates to the Board of Education. Sanders’ passion in life was the advocacy of First Amendment Rights and promoting social justice.
The award is given to a Great Neck South High graduating senior “who has had to overcome personal adversity; such as economics, language, the ability to learn, and who embodies the causes of social justice in our society.”
Choi was a First Place Winner in the New York State Wildlife Forever 25th Anniversary State Art Contest, a Silver Key Winner for Drawing in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition, and a recipient of a Nassau All-County Art Exhibition Achievement Award. He was captain of the Varsity Volleyball Team, president of the Christian Seekers Club, an active member of the Asian Club (and teacher of the Club’s Korean Band), and the Contemporary Music Club. Chris has been very active in summer community outreach projects organized by the Yale Korean Presbyterian Church of New York. He will attend CUNY-Baruch College.
