Islip High School students Kieran Mullins and Vanessa Juengerkes were honored as Suffolk Zone award recipients at a dinner sponsored by the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, held at the Hyatt Regency on Dec. 4. The criteria for achieving this award are: exceptional physical performance, scholastic ability, and outstanding character and leadership qualities in both physical education and other school-based activities. These students contribute to the overall positive outcomes of their physical education classes as well as the school.
    
Kieran excels in physical education and as a three-sport athlete in varsity football, basketball and lacrosse. “He is a true leader in physical education and serves as a role model in class,” said Bob Panariello, the district’s director of health, physical education and athletics. Kieran is a member of the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society and will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Throughout her high school career, Vanessa has maintained a 99 average while serving as captain of the varsity volleyball, basketball and softball teams. “Vanessa excels in both physical education and athletics, and her teachers describe her as a leader and highly motivated student,” said Mr. Panariello. Vanessa is a member of the National Honor Society, Athletes Helping Athletes, SADD and Habitat for Humanity. She plans to attend Dowling College in the fall, where she will continue her softball career.