Students from Islip High School students volunteered for the Town of Islip’s Oct. 29 Michael Michelini 5K run, held Oct. 29 in the Town of Islip. Students were located throughout the course to direct runners and walkers along the route, to cheer them in, and to hand out water at the water stations and finish line. The proceeds for the race benefit cancer research and also fund an Islip High School girls and boys lacrosse scholarship. 

After the race, the volunteers attended the Fireman’s Fall Festival on Main Street, where they volunteered at the American and high school post-prom booths. 

“It was great to see so many high school students come out to volunteer in their community,” said teacher Renee Clock, who assisted in organizing the youth volunteers.   “We actually had volunteers from neighboring school districts, too. When our youth actively participate in such great causes for our community, they are in turn investing in the future of Islip.” 

 

IMG_7588: Students from Islip High School students volunteered for the Town of Islip’s Oct. 29 Michael Michelini 5K run

 

Photos courtesy of Islip School District

 

No one should go hungry this Thanksgiving, thanks to the efforts of students throughout the North Bellmore School District.

Sixth graders in the Students Against Destructive Decisions club at Park Avenue Elementary School organized a food drive, with donations benefitting the community. Principal Eileen Speidel said that some of the food will be given to local families, while the rest will go to the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Community Cupboard. To ensure that all needs were met, each grade was assigned to bring in specific non-perishable items including cake mix, canned goods, cereal, pasta, stuffing and more. 

At Newbridge Road Elementary School, student council member made signs to hang throughout the hallways seeking donations for its food drive. Once all the items were in, sixth grade leaders joined with volunteers from the PTA to sort food to create baskets for 12 families in the community. 

Principal Denise Fisher noted that everyone would get a well-rounded meal with a turkey and all the trimmings. The Bellmore Lions Club donated Stop & Shop gift cards for families to purchase turkeys, while students donate items such as cranberry sauce, gravy, canned vegetables, potatoes, stuffing, juice and desserts.

Newbridge sixth grader Giavanna DeStefano said that every family should be able to enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal, and said it made her feel good that she and her classmates could do their part to help others. 

 

Photo Captions:

 

1: Park Avenue Elementary School’s SADD Club collected donations for a Thanksgiving food drive.

2: Sixth grader student council members at Newbridge Road Elementary School sorted food to provide Thanksgiving meals for 12 families.

3: Allen Estabrook, a sixth grader at Newbridge Road Elementary School, made sure his box had at least one of every food item.

 

Photo courtesy of the North Bellmore School District

 

 

 

Members of West Hempstead High School’s National Honor Society chapter partnered with the New York Blood Center for the school’s annual blood drive on Nov. 8. In total, 52 donations were collected, potentially saving more than 150 lives. Thanks to a tremendous effort this year from both students and staff members, the high school exceeded its initial goal of 42 donors. 

The National Honor Society and West Hempstead Union Free School District would like to thank everyone who participated. 

 

Photo captions: 

1. West Hempstead High School student Andrew Quirogo proudly donated blood at a National Honor Society/New York Blood Center blood drive on Nov. 8. 
2. West Hempstead High School students and staff donated their time to the National Honor Society’s annual blood drive on Nov. 8. Pictured, from left, are students Sabrina Manuel, Kristine Romero, Omosefe Ikpia, Kevin Sarwan, Samuel Brioso, Runako Miot, (seating) Bervelly Sainteme, Samantha Rivera and Nick Agro and Assistant Principal Adam Hopkins. 
3. Students Jakobi Evans and Morgan Greaves offered snacks and juice to those who donated blood at West Hempstead High School’s annual blood drive.

 

Photos courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District

 

In true Lindenhurst fashion, the community came out in full force on Nov. 8 to recognize one of their own. Robert Dorner, a graduate of the Lindenhurst High School Class of 1964, was a well-loved equipment manager for the Lindenhurst High School varsity football team who died at war. A bulldog to be proud of, a ceremony was held to remember the veteran.  

In July 1964, Robert joined the U.S. Marine Corp and was assigned to the supply company of the 3rd service Battalion in Da Nang. On March 24, 1966, only two years after his graduation, Robert was killed on a resupply mission when he was hit by sniper fire. 

Years later, Robert’s father, Henry Dorner, gave his son’s class football jacket to his childhood friend and neighbor Kevin Fowler. In September, Kevin brought the jacket back to Lindenhurst High School and left it in the care of security guard Bob Cropsey in hopes that the school would honor the memory of the fallen veteran and Lindenhurst alumnus. 

Mr. Cropsey took it upon himself to organize a small ceremony at the high school where Robert’s varsity jacket was framed by the Lindenhurst Football Alumni Association and presented to members of the district’s administration including Superintendent of Schools Daniel E. Giordano, High School Principal Dr. Candice Brodie and Director of Health, Athletics and Physical Education Anthony Amesti. 

Also in attendance were members of the varsity football team, coaching staff and alumni association, members of the Lindenhurst High School Classes of 1964, 1965 and 1966, local Vietnam veterans, representatives of the local VFW, U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps and local politicians including Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata, Village Administrative Clerk Douglas Madlon and Assemblyman Kevin McCaffrey.  

“We can learn from his experience lessons of bravery, determination and courage,” wrote Edward Curry, Lindenhurst High School student and editor of the school paper. “From a small-town boy to a lost memory in Lindenhurst’s history, Robert shall not be forgotten.”

 

Photo caption: The memory of U.S. veteran Robert Dorner, a graduate of the Lindenhurst High School Class of 1964, was recognized during a small ceremony held on Nov. 8.  

 

Photos courtesy of Lindenhurst Union Free School District 

 

 

Continuing an annual patriotic tradition for Veterans Day, teacher Tammy Cotrone and her kindergarten class at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School created a special tribute to local veterans and delivered it to them at Town Hall. Students’ military family photos are also displayed outside their classroom.

“I come from a strong military family, so this holiday is close to my heart,” Cotrone said. “The veterans look forward to my visit each year, and the children learn what a veteran is and how to honor and thank them for their sacrifice.”

 

IMG_2021, IMG_2037: Continuing an annual patriotic tradition, teacher Tammy Cotrone and her kindergarten class at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School created a special tribute to local veterans.

 

Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District