Islip High School senior Isabella Dragos was recently honored with the Town of Islip Community Service Award. While all students are required to complete community service hours prior to graduation, Dragos has gone above and beyond that requirement. A hardworking student who always puts others before herself, she has contributed almost 250 hours of community service to Islip High School and the Islip community. 

A member of Islip’s National Honor Society, Dragos has been involved in many school clubs and activities, including the varsity girls tennis team and the performing arts, chorus and orchestra programs, as well as Buccaneer University, where she served as social media manager. She has been selected to the All-County Chorus multiple times.  

In community service, Dragos participated in the Thanksgiving drive, donating food and organizing donations for families within the community. She also donated toys to the Suffolk County Department of Social Services for students in need during the holidays, and assisted at several events including the Honor Societies induction ceremony and Seal of Biliteracy evening. She will attend the University of South Carolina this fall, majoring in sports management. 

“Over the past four years, community service has allowed me to give back to the communities that have shaped me,” Dragos said. “Singing as a cantor at St. Patrick’s and helping with Christmas gift distribution taught me the importance of compassion and kindness. Volunteering at events for the Islip Historical Society gave me a deeper appreciation for our town’s history, while coaching tennis at the Islip Buc Summer Camp let me share my love of the sport and encourage younger players. Each experience has shaped me in a unique way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

“Bella is an amazing, resilient young woman,” said her school counselor, Beth Matthew.

“Isabella is a smart young woman who has higher level thinking skills,” said Dr. Rich Harris, Dragos’ concert choir teacher. “Her high level of creativity is a powerful asset which will undoubtedly lead to her future success.” 

“We wish Bella the best at USC,” Assistant Principal Lisa Ward said.

Date Added: 6/26/2025