Before a crowd of proud family members, friends, faculty, and staff, Henry Viscardi School Seniors were honored for their academic, social, and extracurricular accomplishments during the school year at Viscardi’s annual Senior Awards Assembly.
Head of School Angelo Zegarelli spoke about the many achievements made by the soon-to-be graduates, and explained that as this chapter of their lives comes to a close, new opportunities and experiences will become available. “This is only the beginning for you all,” he said.
Before each award was bestowed, an HVS faculty or staff member addressed attendees about the recipient’s successes over the last year. Joining the presenters during this year’s assembly was local Councilman Peter J. Zuckerman, who handed out the Recognition of Achievement award to nine-time award-winner, and Class of 2016 Valedictorian, Christopher Alvarez.
Two scholarship awards valued at $1,500—the DiStefano Scholarship and the NYSED Academic Excellence award—were granted to students Amber Madrigal and Christopher Alvarez, concluding the ceremony.
The following awards were bestowed:
- Math: Christopher Alvarez & Mariah Sepulveda
- Science: Christopher Alvarez
- English: Christopher Alvarez
- Social Studies: Christopher Alvarez
- Media Technology: Entire 12th grade class
- Business: Amber Madrigal
- Art: Christopher Alvarez & Mariah Sepulveda
- Music: Christopher Alvarez
- Independent Living: Christopher Alvarez
- Physical Education: Matthew Altan
- Move to Improve: Christopher Scharrer
- Unlocking My Potential: Jasan Stuart & Christopher Scharrer
- Self-Advocacy: Matthew Zelen
- Dignity for All Students Award (DASA): Amber Madrigal
- Self-Awareness & Independence: Jasan Stuart
- SEPTA: All seniors
- Faculty Recognition: Amber Madrigal
- Carol A. Spinelli Humanitarian Award: Samuel Tavarez
- Richard M. Switzer Memorial ($200): Jasan Stuart
- State of New York Office of the State Comptroller: Christopher Scharrer
- District Attorney SHIELD Award: Mariah Sepulveda
- Cody Taddonio Award ($250): Christopher Scharrer
- Recognition of Achievement: Christopher Alvarez
- Community Service & Academic Excellence Nassau County: Christopher Scharrer
- Distefano Scholarship ($1500): Amber Madrigal
- NYSED Academic Excellence Scholarship ($1500): Christopher Alvarez
About the Henry Viscardi School
The Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center is a New York State supported 4201 school that offers parents of children with severe physical disabilities and who often require life-sustaining medical treatment throughout the day, a traditional educational setting option that provides rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully-enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital.