Durso presents scholarship to West Islip H.S. senior – Babylon Beacon
Babylon Village, West Babylon, North Babylon, Deer Park, Lindenhurst, West Islip and Long Island, New York
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Shown are West Islip School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Romanelli, Nils Haugen, Assemblyman Michael Durso, and West Islip High School Principal Andrew O’Farrell
NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, who represents the 9th District, recently presented West Islip High School senior Nils Haugen with the Senator John J. Marchi Memorial Athletic Scholarship.
The $3,000 award is granted by the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators and recognizes students for academic excellence, athletic ability, community service, financial need and leadership potential.
“Nils exemplifies the attributes we look for in a scholarship recipient,” Durso said. “He has demonstrated excellence not only in his academic pursuits, but also in extracurricular activities and community service.”
Nils credits his success to a strong connection with his family, the West Islip community and his own self-motivation. With a cumulative GPA of 95.0, he has completed multiple Advanced Placement and STEM courses and has made the Principal’s List every quarter of his high school career.
A four-year member of both the West Islip football and lacrosse teams, he is also part of the National Honor Society and the National Math Honor Society. This year, he received the Jack Braddish Scholar Athlete Award, which recognizes students who excel academically while participating in athletics.
His commitment to the community includes organizing a food drive for a local pantry, volunteering for Holiday Adopt-a-Family and Wreaths Across America, and participating in beautification efforts through the West Islip Library. He also volunteers with West Islip Lacrosse PAL.
He holds certifications as a CNC mill basic operator and in CPR/AED lifeguarding.
He works as a lifeguard for the Town of Babylon during the summer.
He plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall, where he will major in mechanical engineering and play on the school’s lacrosse team.
“These scholarships are a token of our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in their future endeavors,” Durso said. “On behalf of the Italian-American Conference of State Legislators, myself, President Angelo Morinello, Vice President Mario Mattera, and Treasurer Ed Ra, congratulations.”
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