Rye Neck High School seniors and juniors were recognized at an assembly Thursday morning for numerous achievements.  Over a dozen departments, ranging from science to theater, handed out awards.  Additionally, class valedictorian Midori Takasaki was presented with the Reuben G. Brewer award for her "excellence in scholarship." Salutatorian Christina Baal was recognized as well.

Additionally, guidance counselor Ann Wallace handed out 40 "Special Achievement" awards, recognizing numerous general academic, character and service achievements.  Various universities, including Harvard, Yale and Vassar, gave out awards specifically for members of the junior class.  Twelve scholarships sponsored by local organizations were handed out as well. 

Other highlights included the "Nita M. Lowey Certificate Of Special Congressional Recognition Award," given to Russell Sonenclar; the Cetrificate of Merit, awarded by Suzi Oppenheimer for distinguished service to community to Elizabeth Pon; and the State of New York Department of Law "Triple C Award" to seniors John Como and Christine Nassar for character, courage and commitment. 

Most notable, though, was the "Award for Community Service of 100 Hours or More," given to a record 38 seniors, including Takasaki and Baal.

The ceremony closed with a showing of Rye Neck's student-produced submission to President Obama's video Commencement Challenge, as well as several final awards: The PTSA award, given to Samantha Amatuzzo; the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department Award, given to Christopher Germani; and the Alice Lampen Business Scholarship Award, given to Carissa Rose DeVito.

"This is a remarkable class," said Principal Dr. Barbara Ferraro.  "They've clocked in over 12,000 hours of community service, so they're community spirited, community minded; they are academic students, athletic students, and I think you've got the feeling if you were with us today the sense of community that exists among the students."  On seeing the seniors leave for college, Ferraro expressed that "they'll be missed and we hope we've given them the tools that they need to be successful."