Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) honored four Hauppauge High School students with the Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award during a ceremony Aug. 19.

The annual program recognizes young people ages 13 to 18 for achievements in volunteer service, personal development, exploration and physical fitness.

This year’s honorees were Jillian Potenza, who received the bronze award; Lindsay Tenbrink, who received the silver award; and Ella Muilenburg and Logan Singleton, who each received gold awards.

Recipients earn bronze awards by meeting the program’s criteria in two of the four categories, while silver award recipients meet criteria in three categories. Gold award recipients meet the criteria in all four.

Kennedy said the honorees demonstrated the dedication and character needed to become future community leaders.

“Every year, I’m blown away by the dedication of the applicants. They always have an impressive story and an impressive way of carrying themselves. I know they will end up being future leaders,” Kennedy said.