2020 Award Winners

Although the 2019-2020 school year was interrupted by the pandemic, we were delighted to identify not one, but two bright seniors this year who earned this recognition.  This year, a special Merit Scholarship award was presented to student Marisa Esposito (left);

a special recognition reserved only for those students who have displayed excellence in long-term service and dedication to the Historical Society, for her years of service as our Junior Historical Society President.  During her years of Presidency, Marisa heavily recruited student members, and hosted monthly student meetings that included an active history lesson, study of our historic markers, and a two-year project that consisted of compiling 11 years of our Holiday House Tour homes into a searchable database highlighting year, historic owners, architectural style, and notable historic features. This database will be used for future research developments, and is a valuable tool for the Society.  The Society is grateful to Marisa for her years of service to our Junior Historical Society, and we are proud to honor her with this very special scholarship.

Our second award, our annual History Research Essay Scholarship, was presented to student Courtney Autera, (right), for her in-depth research paper on the history of Saxon Ave, and the historic homes lined therein. Her essay was unique, well researched, and explored the compelling impact of development measured against the loss of our treasured historic structures. We would also like to recognize Courtney as a 2 - year member of our Junior Historical Society, where she has served as treasurer. 

Both Islip students are a testament to the value of teaching an appreciation of history to our students, and we wish both young women much success in their college years!

Victoria Berger

Curator/Scholarship Chairman

Historical Society of Islip Hamlet