Glen Cover Gets County Citizenship Award

Glen Cove High School senior Alyssa Nicole Allen was recently chosen by Principal Keith Schenker and other members of the administration as the recipient of the Nassau County Legislature's Citizenship Award for the Class of 2010.

Schenker's office told Allen the day of the school's Senior Awards Assembly on May 27 that she would be congratulated in person by Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) and presented with a citation, in addition to the three other awards that she was already slated to receive. 

"At first, when I was told to come in early, I thought it was another school award," Allen recalled. 

"We try to keep the nomination a secret until the awards assembly," Schenker explained. "It was at that point that she found out she was the recipient, with obvious jubilation and excitement."

According to resident Zefy Christopolous, who is also the press secretary for the Legislature's Minority, the county award is presented to students who take "an active, keen interest in government affairs and their community." The criteria for the award, in addition to the nominees, is selected by school administrations.  

"Alyssa is quite the active young lady, especially with youth-oriented issues and in the schools," Christopolous and.

And it appears that Allen's bona fides run longer than the list of ingredients on a package of bread.

She is an active Girl Scout, and as a veteran member, she explained, that she is very engaged with the younger girls, especially when it comes to camping. She even wrote a manual, which was distributed at a bridging — also known as a moving up — ceremony. Through the Girl Scouts, Allen has also held dance clinics for the more nascent members of her troop, teaching them the styles of tap, ballet, and jazz.

For the last four years, the city resident has also volunteered her time to help the Glen Cove EMS, working stand-by at city events. She anticipates continuing her work with this organization during the city's July 4 Celebration.

And her packed schedule includes extra-curricular activities at school as well. 

Not only is Allen the Class of 2010's vice president, she is also a  member of SADD, a student in C.A.U.S.E., and treasurer of the Select Chorale, which performed the national anthem at Citi Field on June 8. Patch can't forget to mention that she represented Big Red as a cheer captain, homecoming queen and Pep Squad member.

While serving as chairwoman of her school's Peer Aid club, she recently gave a speech about AIDS at a school assembly this past December in an effort to raise awareness about the disease. She also helped to establish the school's African Heritage Club's first representation in the city's Martin Luther King Day Parade.

"I am so pleased that Glen Cove High School selected Alyssa for this Citizenship Award," Yatauro said. "Alyssa has all the admirable qualities we look for in our children. She is a caring young woman who has demonstrated a sincere love of family and love of community. It was such a joy to recognize Alyssa for earning this award. Wherever life takes her, I am sure she will continue to make us all very proud."