Each year, the Historical Society of Islip Hamlet seeks to honor one graduating senior who shares their passion for Islip’s rich history, and who demonstrates this passion through civic engagement or by pursuing local history or justice.

The 2024 Senior Scholarship was presented to Kayla James. Kayla has engaged in a variety of civic-oriented pursuits ranging from work on a local political campaign, to exploring and advocating on the issue of homelessness and the challenges it presents.

“[Kayla’s] dedication to civic engagement, coupled with her passion for social justice, positions her as a future leader capable of effecting positive change within her community and beyond,” shared one of Kayla’s teachers, Ted Blanchard.

At the awards night, the society’s scholarship chair, Elizabeth Thomas, presented Kayla with the scholarship.

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet would like to extend their best wishes to Kayla as she heads to Miami University Ohio to study political science this fall.  Congratulations!