Wantagh seniors obtain countywide recognition

For Wantagh High School seniors Lyla Buscemi and Drew Palladino, physical education has always been their time to shine. They enjoy the camaraderie, competition and learning how to stay healthy.

That’s part of why they were selected as the 2022 recipients of the Nassau Zone Outstanding Student Award, presented by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Two students are selected each year from every high school who, according to the State APHERD, exemplify their understanding of state learning standards for health and physical education.

Buscemi and Palladino were chosen by teachers in Massapequa High School’s physical education department for exhibiting physically active lifestyles, valuing healthy choices, demonstrating responsible personal and social behavior including good character, citizenship and sportsmanship, showing leadership and being positive influences on their peers.

Buscemi said she makes a conscious effort to make physical education classes an inclusive experience for all her classmates. She’s the president of the Physical Education Leaders Club, which hosts regular blood drives and yoga nights, along with ongoing fundraisers for breast cancer awareness, research and patient support. This fall, she was a captain for the girls varsity soccer team.

The teen said she tries to make physical education classes an inclusive experience for all of her classmates. 

Palladino is a football and basketball captain, and will be playing lacrosse in the spring. “This award means a lot,” he said, and added that he developed an appreciation for health and fitness at a young age from his father – a physical education teacher.