Huntington Notebook: Talented Teen to Represent Town in Pageant

A 16-year-old Cold Spring Harbor High School junior representing Huntington next month in the Miss USA/NY Teen Pageant hopes to use her time in the spotlight for a worthy cause.

According to the a town press release, Meredith O'Conner told Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone at a meeting last month she hopes to use the pageant as a platform to raise awareness for two organizations dedicated to preventing bullying and reducing emotional distress and resultant suicides among teens and college students: The Jed Foundation and The It Gets Better Project.

A NYSSMA all-state "A" rated vocalist who has trained in the performing arts since the fourth grade, and a songwriter whose recorded music will soon be available on iTunes, O'Conner is also a ballet student and an aspiring model.       

The competition will be held Jan. 14 and 15 at SUNY Purchase.   

In other town news:

• The Suffolk County Department of Health Services lifted a boil water directive Jan. 1 for the Dix Hills Water District after 21 samples taken Dec. 31 all tested negative for coliform bacteria. Residents are encouraged by te town to contact District Superintendent John Hennessey at 631-421-1812 for further information.