W.H. teen nominated for presidential award

Sofia Gutierrez, a West Hempstead High School senior and a culinary student at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, has been nominated to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

“It’s exciting to be in the running for this award,” Gutierrez said.

“Coming to Barry Tech is the best of my day, I get to do what I love and my academics have improved.”

Sofia is the senior class president at West Hempstead High School and is the head of the school’s student council. She organizes everything from senior prom fashion show to class night, where they do sports, skits, and dance. She was nominated by her school guidance counselor for this honor.

“I’ve always been interested in culinary – baking and pastries are my favorite,” Sophia says with a smile. “Before my dad passed away, we baked together a lot. He was a baker chef at Hofstra University and I always cooked with him.”

Her culinary journey started when she baked a cake for her school’s guidance office and, “they suggested that I apply for the Barry Tech culinary program. I’m so happy I did,” says Sophia who will be attending Johnson and Wales in the fall.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

The final winners will be announced by the end of the month.