Massapequa High School senior Kaitlyn Persico and, for the second time, junior John Latini were recognized for community service by the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. The awards salute the contributions made by young volunteers and recognize them as role models among their peers.
After logging in hundreds of community service hours, Kaitlyn was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. Latini, who received the President’s Award last year, was named a Local Honoree for his service to the community.
For the past six years, Persico has volunteered as a teacher’s assistant and tutor for students at the Great Neck Road School in Copiague. Because the school did not have an American Sign Language (ASL) program, Persico started one. As vice president of the American Sign Language Club, she helps coordinate sign language events for the community, such as signing at holiday concerts. She hopes to pursue a career in sign language and has applied to some of the most prestigious sign language programs at the collegiate level. She also has been an active member of the Shared Decision-Making Club for the past four years by bringing a students’ point of view to different issues as a way to promote a more positive school culture. As a Key Club member, Persico assists with various events that benefit the community.
Latini is a Boy Scout who is will soon become an Eagle Scout. He devotes much of his time to Canine Companions for Independence by raising puppies and training them to be companions for people with disabilities. He also takes in and cares for companion dogs that are in training when their owners go out of town. Latini works actively to help defray the $50,000 price tag of training a dog, either through fund raising efforts or working with others in a group to share the cost of training a dog. A member of the varsity swimming and diving team since eighth grade, he has used his swimming skills for the past year and a half to help children with special needs get over their fear of water and learn how to swim. He also helps train swimmers for the Special Olympics.
“Kaitlyn and John are two exemplary role models who have truly made a difference in their community by selflessly devoting their time and talents,” said Massapequa High School Principal Dr. Barbara Williams. “We applaud their outstanding efforts and hope that their peers are motivated to follow suit.”
