Alfano Awards Elmont's Euclyn Williams and Floral Park's Xavier Martini with Excelsior Award for Excellence in State Ceremony on Disability Awareness Day!

Assemblyman Alfano poses for a photo with his two honorees at the luncheon.

Assemblyman Tom Alfano presented the Excelsior Award for Excellence to two local high school students for overcoming obstacles and personal challenges as part of Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol. The award was presented to Floral Park Memorial High School student Xavier Martini and Elmont Memorial High School student Euclyn Williams. The honor, presented by Assemblyman Alfano, recognizes people who have overcome physical and other personal challenges, and honors their extraordinary achievements and dedication to their community.

"Euclyn and Xavier are extraordinary young people who have made great contributions to the Elmont and Floral Park communities. Euclyn is a scholar, actor and volunteer who has brought a keen understanding of being physically challenged to his peers. He's a role model and leader that is respected and loved by his fellow classmates. Xavier is the epitome of a 'can-do' attitude in all he sets out to accomplish. He has brought the issue of Autism in our community to the forefront. His spirit for his school and community is truly extraordinary. He cares about people and in everything he sets out to do, he works hard and gives it his all. I'm proud of him," said Assemblyman Alfano.

Euclyn Williams and family celebrate his award with Assemblyman Alfano.

The awards ceremony was a luncheon in the famed New York State Assembly Parlor. The honorees from across the state were recognized and feted by State leaders. The program was hosted by Assemblyman Tom McKevitt who is the ranking member of the Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Assemblyman Alfano was one of only four Assembly members who had two honorees from across the State, a testament to the outstanding nominations of Williams and Martini.

During the luncheon, Assemblyman Alfano spoke about the challenges people have faced throughout time. "President Roosevelt was in a wheelchair, but he was a leader that not only led us through a war, but helped rebuild a nation and gave people hope. Governor Paterson is also a symbol that you can do whatever you want in life if you work hard and stay true to yourself," said Alfano.

Xavier Martini and family celebrate his award with Assemblyman Alfano.

Joining Assemblyman Alfano were the families of both honorees and Floral Park Memorial High School Principal Kathy Sottile.

Euclyn Williams is a senior at Elmont Memorial who is an outstanding student, and has consistently challenged himself by taking a rigorous course load. He was named to the honor roll and Principal's list. He is very active in the poetry club, peer helpers and taken part in Elmont Memorial's school drama productions. He has performed in Les Miserables, Aida and Fright Night. He also volunteers at a local hospital, as well as feeding the homeless at soup kitchens.

Principal John Cappozzi said, "Euclyn is an extraordinary young man. He has great respect for academia and a passion for learning. He has never allowed his disability to stand in the way of realizing and achieving his goals. He never settles for mediocre results."

Xavier Martini is in the 11th grade at Floral Park Memorial High School's PALS program. He is on the district wide Varsity Bowling team and eagerly volunteers and participates in Autism fundraising. He also works for the BOCES transition to work internship program. For a special project, Xavier designed and built a model float for his PALS class for the Floral Park Memorial Homecoming Parade. He was named "Most Spirited" at the 2006-2007 Homecoming.

"I'm very proud of Xavier and Euclyn, and I know they will go on to achieve outstanding things in their futures. Both Floral Park and Elmont are truly blessed to have such outstanding young men in their communities. I want to thank their parents, teachers and Principals for nominating them for this honor," concluded Assemblyman Alfano.