Baldwin High School senior ‘stands out’

Baldwin High School senior, Nia Clement, was among the honorees for New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s 4th annual Student Standout Awards. Griffin recognizes one high school senior from each school who resides in the 21st Assembly District for their exceptional leadership, kindness, inclusiveness, helpfulness, work ethic, creativity, motivation or civic engagement.

The award aims to honor these students for their contributions that other awards may not recognize. Nominations come from school faculty, administrators, and counselors, which includes brief letter of recommendation. An official awards ceremony, hosted by assemblywoman Griffin, took place on Sunday, May 15 at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center.

“Today recognizes those incredible students who standout in their schools and communities,” said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. “These students serve as role models and are an inspiration for their peers. I am so proud to give these students the New York State Assembly Student Standout Award and I look forward to seeing where it takes them.”

Clement was selected due to her extensive resume both in and out of school. In addition to being an excellent student, she is a member of the National Honor Society, Principal Leadership Group, Parent Teacher Student Association, plays the harp and performs in the Baldwin High School singing ensemble, Sweet Adelines. This year, she was also the recipient of the Ethel T. Kloberg award for her participation in the district’s Sports Night. Clement will attend Macaulay Honors College at CUNY in the fall. The highly selective honors college, with an acceptance rate of just 5 perfect, awards full-tuition scholarships to all of its undergraduates.

Clement has been on either Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, or High Honor Roll with Distinction all but one marking period of her entire High School career. She was also chosen as Student of the Month as early as 10th grade. In recognition of all Clement’s formidable effort, she was inducted to the National Honor Society last Spring. Her continuous involvement in activities such as Key Club, Mock Trials Club, The Principal’s Leadership Committee, National Honor Society Peer Tutoring group, student member of the Nassau Region Parent/Teacher/Student Association, Yearbook Club, and contributor to the school’s literary magazine, The Phoenix, is just some of Clement’s involvement.

Legislator Debra Mulé said of Clement’s accomplishments, “I am truly impressed by how Nia Clement has achieved such a remarkable record of academic achievement- all while excelling in such a array of community service, student leadership, and musical endeavors. She is the embodiment of what it means to be a ‘Student Standout’ and I congradulate her for all she has alread accomplished.”

Before she even arrived at the high school, Clement was already the recipient of the Meyer Millman Humanitarian Award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated kindness and helpfulness to others. Clement was also involved in the school’s Intramural Night, Sportsnight, Plays and Musical Productions. Involved in music since third grade, Clement plays the steel drums, the violin, the harp and is a member of the school’s ‘a capella’ ensemble, the Sweet Adelines. As one of few harp players, she has been a guest performer for the school’s Chamber Orchestra Concerts. Throughout high school, Clement has always put aside time to volunteer at church. Clement will be attending Macaulay Honors College – John Jay, majoring in Political Science, with the intention of continuing to law school.