Preston Biedenkapp and Michelle Wu, high school seniors from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, have been honored with the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Suffolk Zone Leadership Award. The ceremony for this prestigious award took place at Villa Lombardis, at which two outstanding students from each high school in Suffolk County were recognized for their exceptional achievements.

To qualify for this award, students must maintain an outstanding academic record, an A average in health and physical education classes, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale by the end of their junior year. Additionally, recipients must demonstrate exemplary personal and social skills, such as responsibility, empathy, cultural awareness, confidence, character, civility, and collaboration.

Recipients of the Suffolk Zone Leadership Award also exhibit leadership qualities within health and physical education classes, take on responsibilities for class tasks, maintain a positive attitude toward instructional activities, and actively engage in leadership roles within and outside of the school community. This includes serving as officers in healthy and physical educational clubs, organizing events, participating in school community groups, volunteering in support groups, and other such pursuits.

Preston and Michelle exemplify these qualities and have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders in their schools and communities. Their dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community service makes them deserving of the Suffolk Zone Leadership Award.