Malverne’s Davison Avenue Intermediate School fifth grader Erika Daly seized an opportunity to give back and is now the proud founder of the DAV Breakfast Club.

Every morning, a group of students collect unopened breakfast items from the classrooms to be donated to local families in need. These breakfast items include bagels, cereal, muffins, juice and milk.

The district is proud of her efforts to promote charity and community service.

 

Photo caption: Fifth grader Erika Daly is giving back to the community through her charitable program, DAV Breakfast Club.

 

Photo courtesy of Malverne Union Free School District

 

Students and staff members in Shoreham-Wading River School District’s Miller Avenue School continue to find ways to help in the community and often learn about important and helpful local organizations in the process. 

Second grade teacher Janelle Bellotti came across a great community service activity for her students that they worked on this past week. Colorful handmade cards, treat bags, candy and gift cards for Valentine’s Day are being put together for children in a local shelter to bring some love and cheer to them. Mrs. Bellotti reached out to other teachers and has received beautiful messages of hope and kindness from them as well. She will deliver all the gifts from the hearts of the students to Give Kids Hope, an organization in Port Jefferson Station that assists families in need with clothing, toys and food items.

“With everything going on in the world, a little kindness and cheer goes a long way,” Bellotti said. “This is a wonderful experience for our children to experience empathy and generosity.”

 

Photo caption: Miller Avenue School second graders. 

 

Photo courtesy of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

 

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District once again celebrated the legacy and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Day of Service, organized throughout the month and culminating on Jan. 15.

“We are so proud of the ways in which our One Voice, One Message team and student ambassadors overcame the obstacles of this pandemic and provided for so many families during this most difficult time,” added Michael Harrington, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. 

In social studies classrooms across the district, students learned more of the history and actions of Dr. King and his emphasis on the importance of service in order to make the world a better place.  

“It was inspiring to stand in the hallway and hear his booming voice ringing out from every classroom,” recalled Susan Ellinghaus, principal of the Meadowbrook Alternative Program.

“Through analysis of speech excerpts and quotes, our students had the opportunity to reflect on the generosity of the Grand Avenue community, and the ability to take a moment to connect their own acts of kindness to serving others,” added Principal Carlo Conte.

During homeroom and lunch, student ambassadors at Grand Avenue collected more than $2,000, which was donated to the Community Cupboard. Other schools in the district organized donation drives for various toiletries and pandemic-related items.

“This day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a ‘beloved community’,” explained Calhoun Principal Nicole Hollings.

At Kennedy, students and staff collected over 125 pairs of socks, 49 boy pajama sets, 56 girl pajama sets and more than 375 masks. At Merrick Avenue, students and their families donated over 1,500 items including toothpaste, mouthwash and floss, face wash, loofahs and soap. 

“These various organizations are very appreciative of the donations, and we are so proud of the commitment to service our students have shown,” explained Principal Katelyn Dunn.

Students at Wellington C. Mepham High School also collected various pantry and hygiene items.

“While the students won’t be packaging the items all together as they usually do, they will still be celebrating the spirit of service and giving by honoring Dr. King’s legacy in the days leading up to the Day of Service by contributing these items,” explained Robyn Einbinder, a district social studies department chairperson.

Items will be donated to the families who utilize the district’s food pantry, the Community Cupboard, as well as other social services such as Long Island Cares, Grace Mercy and Rock ‘n Wrap It Up.

According to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mara Bollettieri, this year the Community Cupboard is serving the community more than ever. 

“It is our fourth year and we have provided for 145 families and have added 50 families since the beginning of the pandemic,” she added. “This is during an extraordinary time when it is difficult to collect donations and our school community has all been so ingeniously creative. They have kept things going while keeping health and safety a priority.”

 

Photo captions:

 

1. Adam Nislow, a Grand Avenue guidance counselor, along with student ambassadors, Jake Wilson, Kristen O’Hallaran, Xavier Sutherland, Sierra Barbosa, Ellie Meyer, Jayden Simon, Sebastian Fu, Clairevy Maingrette, Samantah Bremer, Luke Yepez and Assistant Principal James Mollica. Missing were student ambassadors Arisleiny Clase and Emma Stein.

 

1. Alex Harrion discussed Dr. King’s impact and contributions to his eighth grade social studies class at Grand Avenue.

 

1. Mepham senior Victoria Walker and junior Alanna Morse, both student ambassadors, addressed Matt Moody’s 11th grade U.S. History class on Jan. 15.

 

1. Student ambassadors at Kennedy High School collected clothing items for families who utilize the district’s food pantry, the Community Cupboard.

 

Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

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The Merrick Union Free School District Board of Education was pleased to acknowledge Birch and Chatterton Elementary School students Jason B., James C., Max M., Adam S. and Alex S. as “Merrick Stars.”

In December, as members of Cub Scout Pack 206, these students collected nearly 500 winter coats to donate to local Merrick families in need and charities across Long Island. 

Board of Education President Nancy Kaplan commended the children for their “exceptional contribution” to the Merrick community and to those in need. 

Each of the students received a certificate in honor of that contribution, as well as a “Merrick Star” T-shirt to wear with pride.

“We are so very proud of you, and many families across Long island will be warm this winter because of your efforts and what you have done for them,” Chatterton School Principal Dana Bermas said. “You truly are Merrick Stars.”

Photo captions: 

1. “Merrick Stars” from Birch Elementary School Jason B., left, and Alex S..
2. Pictured left to right, “Merrick Stars” from Chatterton Elementary School Max M., Adam S. and James C.

 

Photos courtesy of the Merrick Union Free School District

 

 

LATHAM — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recently announced the Maple Hill (Schodack School District-Section 2) girls soccer program as the winner of the Fall 2020 Community Service Challenge.

The Maple Hill girls soccer program was chosen as the winner by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which is comprised of two current student-athletes from each of the 11 member sections. This is the first time Maple Hill has won the award and just the third Section 2 team to win it.

In 2010, the program was established statewide to encourage student-athletes to be engaged in their communities and annually announced just one winner. Two years ago, the program was revised to recognize a winner from each sports season thanks to a new partnership with Team Up 4 Community (TU4C).  The partnership now also allows schools to submit their projects online providing sports teams the opportunity to showcase community service projects demonstrating their commitment and impact in the community.

The Maple Hill girls soccer program (modified, junior varsity and varsity teams) participated in Operation Gratitude to thank military personnel and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 40 student-athletes took part in a letter writing campaign from Oct. 1 through Oct. 9, 2020. Letters were collected and sent to military personnel and first responders to say thank you, and to let them know their courage and sacrifice has helped better the lives of school children everywhere.

“We are very proud of our girls soccer program for taking the initiative to recognize the hard work of military personnel and first responders in Operation Gratitude during these challenging times,” said Mike Silver, Maple Hill Athletic Director.  “The willingness to participate in a community service project while going through a pandemic shows great character and leadership from our coaches and student-athletes.”

“On behalf of the Maple Hill girls varsity team, we are extremely honored to be accepting this award for the community service we did this fall,” said Meghan Bennett, Maple Hill senior. “For the people fighting for our country, and fighting this pandemic head on during such an uncertain time, we give our utmost gratitude and appreciation. I am incredibly grateful to my coaches, who value community service, and stressed its importance on our team. I am immensely proud of our team and am so blessed to have been a part of Operation Gratitude.”

“I am extremely proud of the Maple Hill Girls Soccer Program for keeping the tradition of community service alive, despite the COVID 19 pandemic,” said Sheila Golden, Maple Hill Girls Varsity Soccer Coach. “The athletes in the girls soccer program recognized the value in honoring not only those that fight to keep our country safe, but also those who work, and are still working, to keep our country healthy as we work toward finding a COVID 19 vaccine.”

A total of 58 projects were submitted with 1.770 student-athletes participating in some type of community service project this past fall.

In total, $82,652 was raised for charitable causes with 5,793 hours donated by NYSPHSAA student-athletes. Maple Hill will be honored at the NYSPHSAA Central Committee meeting at the World Catskill Resort on July 27.

Previous Community

Service Challenge

Champions

2020/21

Fall, Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School-Girls Soccer Program (Section 2)

2019/20

Fall, Ossining High School-Football Team (Section I)

Winter, Cambridge Central School-Girls Basketball Program (Section 2)

Spring, Smithtown High School West-Football Team (Section XI)

2018/19

Fall, Canandaigua Academy-Girls Volleyball Team (Section V),  Eastport South Manor-Boys Volleyball Team (Section (XI)

Winter, Harrison High School-Athletes in Action (Section I)

Spring, Hewlett High School-Leaders Club (Section VIII)

2018

Farmingdale High School (Section VIII)

2017

Akron High School (Section VI)

2016

Mahopac High School (Section I)

2015

Kings Park High School (Section XI)

2014

Arlington High School (Section I)

2013

Columbia High School (Section 2)

2012

Ossining High School (Section I)

2011

Adirondack Central School (Section III)

 

Source: https://www.leaderherald.com/sports/local-sports/2020/12/maple-hill-girls-soccer-honored-by-state-athletic-association/