Personal Essay

By Jaclyn Martocchia

Jaclyn Martocchia

2025 Anne MacKay Scholarship winner Jaclyn Martocchia of Mattituck High School.

It has been an honor to grow up in Greenport, and the vibrant tapestry of individuals that make up our school community will always serve as a source of wisdom to me as I continue my path. I have learned early on that if we are going to create a safe and diverse community, we must tapinto our rich heritages and perspectives. In Greenport, inclusiveness is not something we read about or hear about, it’s something we live. The diversity of our school has influenced my perspective in such a manner that I cannot envision life to be any different.

Attempting to recall a particular moment when I left my mark is not easy, as our school culture naturally lends itself to becoming involved and reaching out to draw in every student. Whether stage crew, track, field hockey, or mock trial, students freely urge one another to step out and participate in after school activities. This same sense of camaraderie and acceptance pervades our classrooms, where there is a respected appreciation for differing viewpoints.

However, as with any community, our school is not free from conflict. We do have our share of those who do not always share the same inclusive ideals. In particular, I remember very well a situation in middle school when a student relentlessly bullied another for his sexual orientation. The bully was clever in his actions, often flying under the radar of teachers, while the victim remained silent. It was a moment that screamed out for action. When I sat back to reflect, I knew that I couldn’t be a witness. I spoke to my mom, and she spoke with the victim’s parents. Much to my relief, they already knew, but my stand brought an additional witness who helped to bring the bully to book. Being a stand for what is right even when it is not easy taught me the power of advocacy and standing up for others.

Since then, I’ve been intentional about being a positive force in my community. I do my best to treat everyone with respect and kindness wherever they’re from. Whether I’m helping someone with homework, giving someone a ride home, or simply giving a smile, I do my best to make people feel seen and valued.

Looking ahead and to my time in college, I’ve searched specifically for a campus that shows the diversity and welcomingness to which I’ve been privileged . I acknowledge that not all individuals have had the opportunity to learn, play, and develop along with people of diverse backgrounds . This experience reminds me all the more how fortunate I’ve been to have had such a friendly community to share it with in Greenport, and I’m excited to once again embrace diversity as I continue on to further education.

In the end, I believe that our differences are what make us a better person, and I am committed to ongoing efforts to provide an inclusive environment wherever I go. I know that this scholarship will allow me to continue doing this and be able to contribute to the diverse populations that I will be a part of in the future.