Great grads: Kara Rafferty, Islip High School

Kara Rafferty, an aspiring engineer, has already demonstrated a love of building things in being part of field teamwork and helping erect homes for families in need.

At Islip, Rafferty played varsity soccer, lacrosse and basketball - as team captain for the latter two - and helped the soccer team win four league titles and three county championships. She also has received league, county and national distinction in lacrosse.

But her most meaningful achievements, she said, came off the field. Since sophomore year she has helped build two houses for local families with Habitat for Humanity.

Rafferty's father, Patrick, was killed in the line of duty as a New York City police detective. She says the tragedy "pushed me to do better and not just sit back in life.'' She coaches in the Islip Youth Lacrosse League and is a member of Keep Islip Clean and Athletes Helping Athletes, a school mentoring program.

"The ability to rise from a tragic situation and have a positive effect on those around her shows her extraordinary traits," said technology teacher and soccer coach Mike Reilly.

This fall, Rafferty will begin studies at Stevens Institute of Technology.