Griffin honors Freeport ‘Student Standout’

On Sunday May 15th, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin hosted her fourth annual Student Standout Awards at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center. Each of the 14 recipients was presented with the New York State Assembly Student Standout Award. They were singled out from of their schools because they stand out for their exceptional leadership, kindness, inclusiveness, helpfulness, work ethic, creativity, career-oriented, motivation, or civic engagement. 

“Today recognizes those incredible students who stand out in their schools and communities,” said Griffin. “These students serve as role models and are an inspiration for their peers. I am so proud to give these students the New York State Assembly Student Standout Award and I look forward to seeing where it takes them.”

Among the recipients chosen for the honor is Karina Rios, Freeport High School’s Salutatorian for the Class of 2022.

Karina is Freeport High School’s Salutatorian for the Class of 2022. Her motivation earned her the honor of being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Karina has made significant contributions to the school and the community as an active member of the Peer Leaders and Future Problem Solvers. She is a principal flutist in the Freeport High School Marching Band, has performed in the NYSSMA Festivals and was recently inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Karina has assisted students during the summer at the Freeport Summer Academy of the Arts and has been a valued peer tutor since ninth grade. She has helped to raise money and bring awareness through her participation in the Autism and Lupus Walks. Karina also plays on the Varsity Lacrosse team. She has been serving as secretary of the National Honor Society for two years and has been an active member of the Class of 2022 and Student Government.

Karina was honored with the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology in her junior year. She will be attending Stony Brook University for the 2022 fall semester.