Two students from Wantagh High School were recently recognized for their successes in business education classes. Senior Jennifer Rosen received a scholarship, while junior Ashlee Favata earned an award for a video submission.

Both accolades were courtesy of the Long Island Business Teachers Association. The organization presented Jennifer with a financial scholarship for her involvement in the business education program at Wantagh High School and work study opportunities in the community. She has taken several business classes in computer essentials 1 and 2, account, college accounting and college business law. Jennifer will earn the Career and Technical Education endorsement on her diploma when she graduates in June.

Since her freshman year, Jennifer has worked afterschool at a real estate office in Wantagh through the work study program. In addition to assisting customers, she has gotten an inside look at how a business operates. This year, she began an internship at an accounting office in Jericho and helped out customers during tax filing season. Jennifer said both positions allowed her to apply her classroom knowledge in a professional setting.

“Work study was one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school,” she said.

Jennifer will attend Northeastern University where she plans to major in data science and business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Ashlee competed in LIBTA’s 2022 contest, which featured events in 11 business-related categories. She submitted an elevator pitch video on why she would make a good sales representative for Bloomingdales. Her entry received second place. 

In her video, which had to be a maximum of 60 seconds, Ashlee highlighted her involvement in business education classes and competitions with teachers Christine Compagnino and Nancy O’Connor. This year she took part in the Adelphi Apprentice Challenge, the Virtual Enterprises Social Innovation Challenge and attended a business leadership conference at LIU Post. 

“I’ve been given amazing opportunities at Wantagh High School,” Ashlee said. “This award shows that all the hard work I’ve put in this year has definitely paid off.”

While she is still a year away from college, Ashlee said that business is in her future and wants to major in business management.