Walter G. O’ Connell Copiague High School 12th grader Jada Angel has been named a recipient of the 2021 Billy Michal Student Leadership Award from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The national honor is awarded annually to one student in every state who has maintained a strong record of volunteerism, demonstrates school and community activism, and helps implement creative solutions to recognized problems. Each honoree will be virtually recognized at the Museum’s American Spirit Awards program on June 18.

Jada is the Class of 2021 vice president, One Mind Club co-president, and the PTSA student representative. She also participates in National Honor Society, Voice to Voice Women’s Empowerment, varsity and All-Star cheerleading and varsity track. Jada is the president of her local churches young people’s division and is teen leader for the teen ministry as well. She has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and does many service activities. While participating with Junior Achievement of New York’s High School Heroes Program and the Copiague District Saturday School Program, Jada taught elementary school children about monetary decisions and the English language.

“It’s extremely gratifying to recognize students throughout the nation for the wonderful contributions they make to their local communities,” said Stephen J. Watson, president and CEO at the National WWII Museum. “During World War II, our country needed everyone to come together for a common goal of securing freedom and democracy around the world. Much like Billy Michal’s contribution more than 75 years ago, our student honorees prove that their positive actions, no matter how big or small, can make a difference in their communities. We are proud to honor their accomplishments.”

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Voice to Voice Empowerment recently produced this video for the Town of Babylon’s Women’s History Month celebration.

 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Advanced Placement Spanish students are hard at work preparing for the oral portion of their upcoming Advanced Placement exam. In-person and remote learners are working together in breakout rooms online practicing for the exam. The class focuses on current events and social/world issues and the students interact with each other on these high-level conversations. They are currently researching information and discussing the water crisis in African countries.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held its fourth annual Voice to Voice Leadership induction ceremony for the 2021 cohort on Feb. 11. While this year’s event was done virtually, the newest inductees still had the support of the administration, board of education members and current leaders during the remote event.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Assistant Principal Tamika Eason welcomed guests to the ceremony and offered opening remarks. Class of 2021 salutatorian and current leader Sofia Lounici spoke about the program and what it has meant to her personally during her time in the high school. “The Voice to Voice program has given me a sense of belonging,” she said. “The support that every member has for one another really fosters a sense of sisterhood.”

Ms. Eason echoed those sentiments and praised the leaders for their hard work and dedication. “You all have displayed the character, courage and commitment to enhance our school community and the world at large,” she said. “You all possess the characteristics of a good leader. Be willing to do the things that make you uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to make history; be encouraged to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings.”

The newest members then recited the Voice to Voice pledge. The district congratulates the newest Voice to Voice inductees: Rebecca Alara, Arleni Alvarez Almonte, Emily Diaz, Brianna Pugh, Theresa Soraire, Alice Sztabinski, Klara Thelusma and Victoria Wheby.