2008 Future Leaders of Suffolk Award

(March 3, 2008) Two RHS seniors, Shaneice Martin and Rock Mabaka, were recently recognized at Riverhead High School's Black History Month / Unity Celebration for being chosen as recipients of Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's "2008 Future Leaders of Suffolk County Award."

County Executive Steve Levy hosted an Economic Empowerment Symposium entitled “Investing in our Future” at Suffolk Community College in February, as part of the Suffolk County Black History Program and in collaboration with the Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs. The symposium focused on economic empowerment, as well as collaboration and alliances across businesses within the public and private sectors. Many of Long Island’s most sought-after companies were on hand to promote employment opportunities via a career fair. According to Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's African American Advisory Board, "the symposium was designed to provide information, tools and resources to the African American and minority community regarding home ownership, entrepreneurship, investments, education and career opportunities."

“The job fair, financial symposium, and panel discussion culminated with a celebration and recognition of some of the most outstanding students in the county,” said Levy. “It was a real pleasure to pay tribute to the African American community and its important role in sustaining and building our economy, both present and future."

Shaneice Martin and Rock Mabaka, the two Riverhead High School students honored along with the other Suffolk County students, were cited for their academic achievement and commitment to the community.

Shaneice Martin is the President of the RHS Council For Unity, which was chosen as "Persons of the Year" by the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce. Shaneice is also a member of the Urban League. She works for the Epilepsy Foundation and plans to attend Briarcliffe College to study criminal justice next fall."My long term goal is to become a District Attorney," states Shaneice.

"Shaneice through her membership with Council For Unity, for the past three years, has not only been a role model for the new members, she is always there to offer a smile or a hand to anyone she meets," wrote Theresa Drozd, the District's K-12 Violence Prevention Coordinator who nominated Shaneice for this award. "Shaneice carries a full schedule still making time to participate in club activities, help care for her younger sister and hold a job. Through her participation in Council For Unity she supports many community service projects specifically educating youth within Suffolk County and promoting the concept of family, unity, self esteem and empowerment."

RHS senior Rock Mabaka received recognition in December 2007 for a second place/honorable mention for an essay he submitted in the 9-12 grade category of the annual essay contest of the New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Association. (There was only one winner and one honorable mention in the statewide contest.)

"When I came to this country, I couldn’t speak any English," wrote Rock in the essay. "Now, after four years at Riverhead High School, I plan to attend college and become a mechanical engineer. I am very grateful to my stepmother and to my teachers.”

Rock now speaks three languages: his native French, English and he is learning Spanish. He has been active in sports (soccer, wrestling and track). He was All League in soccer and is a member of the National Foreign Language Honor Society. He is also a member of the Urban League and was Riverhead High School’s representative to Boy’s State last summer. His favorite subject is algebra and he enjoys science. He credits his interest in engineering to his father, who is an auto mechanic in Gabon-Libreville.

Congratulations to these outstanding young citizens.