In June, graduating high school seniors get the spotlight, but at a recent ceremony sophomore and junior students were recognized for their achievements.

Underclass awards night was held recently at Old Rochester Regional High School. Students were honored for community service, academic excellence, and leadership.

“This night is about shining the light of celebration on the underclassmen,” ORR Principal Mike Devoll said. “A lot of the time we see student achievements in sports or on the stage. Tonight is about what happens in the classroom.”

Members of the junior class were recognized for attending American Legion Boys and Girls State. Students go to the event to learn about local and state government.

Faculty members choose attending students based on academic standing and leadership traits.

“I believe this is a transforming event. Students go there and come back more confident and with leadership skills for the state, country, and most importantly, the school,” Devoll said.

For community service, 19 students donated more than 100 hours of service work each. For their dedication they earned a Presidential Service Award.

Some of those hours were spent organizing a toy drive held in December to benefit tri-town children.

Students who excelled in mathematics, the arts, languages, and in science were recognized as well.

Nicolas Iacovelli was awarded the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, which includes a scholarship in the amount of $30,000 should Iacovelli attend the University of Rochester at New York. He won for advanced placement in chemistry.

Iacovelli said he might pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

He’s also considering attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute or Northeastern University in Boston.

For Iacovelli, he said the field would let him build a career.

“What it all boils down to, for me, is being able to create things,” Iacovelli said.