The Port Jefferson Board of Education recognized two Port Jefferson Middle School students, Natalie McGuigan and Rachel Perez, on Oct. 18 with certificates of achievement for showing compassion to new students.

The middle schoolers, who speak Chinese and Spanish, respectively, were specifically acknowledged for the initiative they took to welcome non-English-speaking students into the school and assist in their transition by communicating important information to them in their native language.  

“These two students showed tremendous kindness and compassion by helping two other students acclimate to their new school,” said Middle School Principal Dr. Robert Neidig.