East Islip High School senior figure skater Vanessa Rossa was recently awarded the U.S. Figure Skating Graduating Seniors Program Platinum Level Award, which recognizes the hard work of student athletes who have participated in figure skating throughout high school, while maintaining their academics.

Earlier this winter, Rossa won silver and bronze medals at the Empire State Winter Games, held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 in Lake Placid.  She competed at the Juvenile Excel level, achieving second place, and in Solo Pattern Dance at the Bronze level, securing third place. The Empire Winter State Games is the largest Olympic-style winter sporting event in the Northeast for all ages and abilities. Rossa has qualified to compete in the 2026 State Games of America, scheduled to take place from July 28 - August 26, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania.