Garcia, whom Izzo called a bright, compassionate and hard-working young woman, was next to receive her scholarship. The Calhoun senior was a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance, Student Council and Students Against Destructive Decisions, all while being in the On Tour Company – the district’s select theater arts program. Izzo noted that Garcia has also given back to the community by volunteering with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in addition to representing Calhoun at a student leadership forum that was designed to teach high school students about racism and was sponsored by ERASE Racism.

Christie, the final chamber scholarship recipient, is an intelligent, athletic, caring young man who is also a successful entrepreneur, Izzo said. He is a member of three honor societies and is the recipient of the Lacrosse Unsung Hero Award. When he is not volunteering for fundraisers through Temple B’Nai Torah or refereeing PAL youth soccer games, he is researching and testing sports equipment for his own company. His work as the founder and CEO of his own YouTube-based communications business called Lefty Hockey Reviews earned him airtime on the NBC Sports Network.