Moriah student receives New York State Senate award

MORIAH | When it comes to leadership, one Moriah High School young lady has the right idea. 15-year-old Alyssa Courtright, who will be a junior once the school year begins this fall, recently earned recognition from the New York State Senate when she was honored as a Youth Leadership Recognition Award recipient by Senator Dan Stec. Courtright was the only student in the area to be honored with the title. "I think that a good leader cares about other people, strives to make good decisions, always works hard, and leads by example," Courtright said. "In my eyes, I think that a good leader has to support and encourage fellow students, teammates, and those around you. When I found out that I received the Senate Youth Leadership award, I was very proud of myself. This award reminded me of all my hard work and dedication in school, sports, and activities." The Youth Leadership Recognition Award program honors outstanding students who will become future leaders. Eligible students include current sophomores, juniors, and seniors who excel not only academically, but through leadership in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Students throughout the NYS Senate Districts may be nominated for this award. Moriah science teacher Jeanette Rotella took notice of Courtright's excellence and nominated her for the distinction, providing information on her academics and leadership within the school. "Alyssa has the discipline and focus to help her succeed; her ability to think critically and dedication to learning and achieving makes her stand out among her peers," Rotella commended. "She is always asking questions in pursuit of knowledge and studies outside the classroom to acquire a more in-depth understanding. Alyssa has demonstrated remarkable academic abilities, particularly in Earth Science, where she was challenged by some of the content but consistently excelled by studying." One example of Courtright's academic achievement was retaking the New York State Earth Science Regents to successfully improve her grade, accepting and expecting only excellence from herself. Following her nomination, Courtright was required to write an essay for award consideration that included details on her in-school and community activities. Her list of credentials was an impressive one, participating in soccer, basketball, softball, flag football, dance, serving as class secretary, a member of National Honor Society, regularly volunteering for school-related activities and programs, as well as being a regular volunteer in local commuting events for the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership, and other events in Ti. "Alyssa is able to maintain friendly relationships with teachers, classmates and community members along with focusing on studies and extracurricular activities," Rotella said. "She has demonstrated an impressive ability to lead peers and inspire them. Whether leading group projects in class, guiding peers as a class representative, or taking initiative in community endeavors… Alyssa has exemplified the vision and integrity of a true leader." Rotella noted that receiving a NYS Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award sends a validation to the recipient that their achievements and strengths have made a meaningful difference, and is an encouragement to continue leading and serving as a role model. "Being a Leader is something I try to be stronger in every day. Through sports, I feel that I am a natural leader; In other areas, I strive to be a better leader for the people around me," Courtright admitted. "My parents, teachers, and coaches inspire and motivate me to be the best I can be."

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Moriah student receives New York State Senate award

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