Herricks students are winning across fields – and not just in sports.
Ten students were honored for achievements in athletics, research and participation in Model United Nations during Thursday’s Board of Education meeting.
Rushikesh Patel and Sahit Vadada were recognized for winning best poster presentation at the Materials Research Society Fall Meeting, held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
Patel and Vadada, juniors at Herricks High School, beat graduate students at the research meeting, according to Superintendent Fino Celano.
Patel said he and his partner’s summer research project from the Garcia Summer Science Research Program at Stony Brook University used stem cells to regenerate bone.
Viren Sehgal was recognized for being an “Outstanding Delegate” at the Brown University Model UN competition.
For athletics, the board recognized cross-country athletes Kailen McCauley and Rhea Rasquinha for All-County. Anastasios Diacovasilis, a soccer player, was recognized for All-County honorable mention. In swimming, the board recognized All-County and New York State Qualifiers Sophia Karras and Katherine Hong.
The board recognized two football players, Michael Lee and Christopher Peguero. Lee was the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, and Peguero was the Long Island Association of Football Officials Unsung Hero.
The entire varsity football team received accolades from the board. The team was the recipient of the 2017 community service award by the Nassau County Football Coaches Association, Celano said. This was the third time the team received that recognition in the last four years, according to Celano.
“It really is a special honor to be recognized as the number one team in terms of giving back to the community,” Celano said.
Athletes and budding scientists weren’t the only students the board recognized. Although not formally honored at the meeting, members of the board spoke highly of the various concerts happening throughout the district.
“Some of the folks in the audience have commented that they would pay to see these concerts,” Celano said.
Though, he added, it is usually the parents of the musicians.
