Thursday, October 1, 2026
Long Beach High School students wrapped up the school year being honored and earning some awards.
Six juniors received the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology High School Awards. These honors recognize exceptional leadership, service and academic achievement in specific fields of study. Sophiana Arroyo won for humanities and social sciences, Ryan Fackler for business and leadership, Jack Klang for computing, Vanessa Maltez for women in STEM, Marissa Miller for science and math and Bohdee Wardana for art and design.
If accepted into an RIT BS or BFA program and enrolled full time in fall 2026 directly after high school, approved nominees will receive an undergraduate scholarship.
Long Beach High School junior Reese Gallinaro was also selected as the recipient of the prestigious SHIELD Award, presented by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.
The SHIELD Award honors a high school junior who exemplifies service, honesty, integrity, excellence, leadership and duty. Gallinaro was recognized for demonstrating outstanding strength of character, a deep commitment to personal growth and a passion for making a positive impact in the community.
“We are incredibly proud of Reese for this well-deserved recognition,” Coordinator of School Counseling Jaclyn McMahon said. “She embodies the core values represented by the SHIELD Award and serves as a role model for her fellow students.”
Presented annually by the Nassau County District Attorney, the SHIELD Award acknowledges young leaders across the county who are working to create a better, more just future.
Additionally, junior Arsen Hrabko was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Rensselaer Medal. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute awards the honor to outstanding high school students who have demonstrated excellence in mathematics and science.
For more than a century, RPI has partnered with high schools around the world to identify and celebrate exceptional students through this award, which was first presented in 1916. The Rensselaer Medal recognizes superlative academic achievement and is designed to encourage promising young scholars to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.
As a medalist, Hrabko is now eligible for a merit scholarship, guaranteed for four years — or five years for students enrolling in RPI’s Bachelor of Architecture program — upon acceptance and enrollment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
