Spirited Scholar Julia Tartaglia

– By Janice Llanes Fabry –

Julia Tartaglia received an award not often bestowed on a 16-year-old high school student. She was one of 15 female high school seniors nationwide who received the Paul and Kathleen Severino Future Leader Award for academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. Tartaglia, a Rye Neck senior, accepted the award at the Women of Diversity Entrepreneurship Symposium at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, Oct. 26.

“Julia’s keen interest and academic success in the areas of math and science, in addition to her research on women balancing family and work, made her an excellent candidate,” said Rye Neck School Counselor Susan Hannon.

The symposium program, “Pushing the Frontier in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Visionary Women,” focused on supporting diversity and providing advocacy to all female students. Founders and CEOs of highly successful institutions were the featured speakers.

“It was an honor to be a part of the symposium,” said Tartaglia, who was accompanied by her mother, Antonella, and Ms. Hannon. “We listened to a panel of five lecturers who addressed women’s issues and the obstacles they have faced in the fields of science and engineering. It made you feel important sitting among these powerful women,” admitted Tartaglia. She had the opportunity to dine with the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Shirley Ann Jackson, as well as with fellow seniors from across the country.

Recipients of the Future Leader Award were required to meet rigorous criteria, including high academic standings in math and science, and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and substantial participation in extracurricular activities. Highly qualified in all three categories, Tartaglia has immersed herself in countless activities and leadership roles throughout her high school career. She is co-president of SADD, editor-in-chief of Panther Pride, the school newspaper, a lawyer in Rye Neck’s mock trial competitions and a member of the school musical ensemble, having played the piano since age 3. She has been the secretary of the student senate all four years, as well as vice-president and president of the Italian club.

Tartaglia has also consistently demonstrated excellence in both math and science. “I’ve always liked science,” she said. “Ever since I can remember, maybe because both my parents are doctors, I have been interested in wanting to cure people. I enjoy reading science journals and keeping track of new discoveries.”

A member of Rye Neck’s Science Research Program, headed by Nora Leonard, Tartaglia is currently involved in finding the cause of IgA Nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. Tartaglia conducts research in the department of immunology and microbiology at the New York Medical College in Valhalla.

In her spare time, Tartaglia is busy preparing college applications. Planning on pursuing biology or neurology, this senior’s resume is an admissions counselor’s dream.