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

Photo caption: In the midst of this difficult time, Babylon High School student Kat Gonzalez used her compassion and creativity to make a positive difference in her community. Gonzalez hand-designed, ordered, unpacked, sorted and sold “Babylon Strong” T-shirts, which raised more than $1,800 to support Babylon residents in need.

Photo courtesy of Babylon Union Free School District

 On June 5, Northport High School’s humanitarian group, “Students for 60,000,” began what will be an ongoing project of delivering pizza pies to nearly 30 families in East-Northport. The team has partnered with Timothy’s Pizzeria in Centerport, Fattusco’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Northport, Nina’s Pizzeria in Northport, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in East Northport, Mario’s in East Northport, Filetto’s Ristorante in East Northport and Chefs of New York in East Northport.

“COVID-19 continues to place difficult strains on the community, but the generosity and altruism of our neighbors remains a powerful constant,” Students for 60K adviser Darryl St. George said. “These experiences can be an opportunity for the students and community to directly engage in profoundly meaningful service. As difficult as these times are, let moments like this remind us of what is best in humanity.”

Photo captions: Northport High School’s humanitarian group, “Students for 60K” recently partnered with local pizzeria’s as part of an ongoing project to help feed families impacted by COVID-19.

Photos courtesy of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District 

Photo caption: Ward Melville High School’s award-winning lacrosse team and their families helped to give thanks to some of the essential workers helping to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, the team’s families come together to raise money to provide 239 meals to the frontline workers at Stony Brook Hospital. The team extends its thanks to Sweet Mama’s and The Bench for providing these delicious meals to the workers.

Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District