Three Southampton High School track stars — Dreanne Joseph, Reece Nugent and Griffin Wei — raised $8,000 after teaming up to launch Mariners Run for Unity, a virtual fundraising event, held July 5.

The money raised through the initiative will be used to fund a scholarship that will be awarded to a graduating senior of color, starting in 2021. The scholarship awardee will be selected by the Mariners Run for Unity Committee, made up of the three seniors, coach Eddie Arnold and Nature Richard. 

The students created the fundraiser in an effort to take action against racism. 

“Our initiative has been an amazing success,” said Nugent. “We got lots of feedback from people who donated and participated.”

The trio initially aimed to raise $5,000, but were thrilled to exceed their goal. They hope to continue their mission and raise additional funds for the scholarship in the future. 

“Our hope is that this becomes a foundation where the scholarship fund becomes an annual award,” said Nugent.  

To participate in the virtual event, participants are asked to run 2.28 miles and provide a suggested donation of $25 via the committee’s website, www.marinersrunforunity.com.

Photo captions: 

1: Southampton High School students Dreanne Joseph, Reece Nugent and Griffin Wei ran 2.28 miles along with fellow cross-country team members and their coach, Eddie Arnold, as part of their virtual fundraising event. 

2: Southampton High School students (from left) Griffin Wei, Dreanne Joseph and Reece Nugent raised $8,000 through a virtual run fundraiser on July 5.

Photos courtesy of the Southampton Union Free School District

On June 23, Elmont Memorial High School, along with Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Island Harvest, helped supply food to more than 400 families in the Elmont community.

Parent and community volunteers, the Men of Elmont and the Leading Ladies of Elmont all came together for over six hours to ensure that their fellow community members were supported and had more food security.  

“There is no better way to serve your community than to give back and help others directly,” said Principal Kevin Dougherty. “We are extremely proud of our young men and women who helped to brighten someone else’s day and make this day a reality.” 

Photo captions: Elmont Memorial High School helped to supply food to more than 400 families in the Elmont community. 

Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District

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In addition to their online learning, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wantagh Middle School students still found time to reach out to those in need in the community.

Emma Palmisano, along with brother Frank and cousin Julia, raised more than $200 selling rainbow loom (rubber bands) bracelets with beads for first responders working at New York Winthrop Hospital. The students practiced social distancing and wore masks as they displayed their bracelet creations on a table in the driveway. They plan on continuing their fundraiser through the summer months. The sale was advertised by Emma’s brother and cousins, who rode their bikes through the neighborhood with signs.

Wantagh Middle School students Shane Adee, John Bloomfield, Liam Fields, Etan Mei, Ryan Mei, Jayden Mun, Teddy O’Sullivan and Tyler Santomauro, members of Boy Scout Troop 656 also collected food on June 6 to donate to local families who are in need during the pandemic.

The Wantagh School District congratulates the students for their kindness and thoughtfulness and best wishes for success in their philanthropic endeavors.

Photo captions:

Photo A: From left, Wantagh Middle School student Emma Palmisano and her cousin Julia raised money for first responders working at NY Winthrop Hospital by selling bracelets.

Photo B: Members of Wantagh Boy Scout Troop 656 collected food for families in need during the pandemic.

Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District   

Students at Valley Stream North High School put on a phenomenal and successful mini-THON, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their determination to make a difference for children with cancer resulted in a one-of-a-kind virtual event that raised a total of $11,927 for the Four Diamonds organization.

Mini-THON raises money for childhood cancer research and to help the families of children with cancer pay their medical bills. Students at North embraced the motto “For the Kids” in honor of the cause.

The initiative was student-run, with Casey Wells, Hannah Indiviglio and Ally Wells taking the reins as organizers for the second consecutive year. The three-hour virtual mini-THON, which drew more than 50 participants, featured Zoom events including NORTH BINGO, Color War, a Scavenger Hunt, IncoHEARent, SponTUNEous, Giant Kahoot, Yoga and the traditional line dance. Committee chairs Stephany Abraham, Leema Caravan, Madeline Chiu, Alyssa Garufi, Hannah Lee, Vito Oliveri, Erin Quinn, Zanaib Raja, Marisa Tartamella and Anna Westfall handled specific details such as communications, fundraising, entertainment and finance. Students picked up packages with bandanas, glow sticks and other items prior to the digital festivities.

Last year’s in-person gathering included dancing, music and games. Upon the COVID-19 outbreak, the students quickly adapted their current plans and brainstormed ways to build up enthusiasm and engagement despite being physically apart. 

Several activities contributed to the efforts leading up to the actual mini-THON. Prior to the school closure, North held a volleyball tournament that raised more than $2,000 for Four Diamonds. April 20-24 was celebrated as the virtual kickoff during which each day was assigned a specific theme that helped raise awareness. Despite the shift to a digital-based initiative, the fundraising held strong. Donors purchased “diamonds” that were displayed in the windows of homes and supported Four Diamonds.

Photos courtesy of Valley Stream CHSD 

Long Beach High School track athletes, teachers, former staff members and alumni participated in a beach cleanup for World Ocean Day on June 8. 

Hannah Bloom, Jonathan Bloom, Karen Bloom, Samantha Bloom, Michael Brown, Kaitlyn Carney, Ali Cohen, Valentina Escobar, Meilin Garfinkel, Coach Megan Grahlfs, Kara Gumiela, Keira Hult, Maya Hult, Lori Montgomery, Fatima Morrobel, Aaron Orner, Benjamin Orner, Brenna Regan, Chandler Rosenzweig and Gabrielle Selter represented the track team while helping the community and environment.

Photo courtesy of Long Beach Public Schools