East Islip Middle School’s Leaders Club sent their love and support to the residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home this Valentine’s Day. As in previous years, club members honored the vets for by sending cards adorned with American flags, hearts and quotes such as “God Bless America” and “Thank you for your service”.  

“With my own dad being a resident at Long Island State, I know how important it is for these men and women to be remembered for their heroism that provides us the freedom we can sometimes take for granted,” said club adviser Laura O’Donnell. “Visiting the veterans, some of whom may not normally have visitors or receive cards is very meaningful. It’s important that we provide the younger generations with opportunities to connect with our seniors. It allows both generations to experience cultures they are often so far removed from, and it’s a very special experience for everyone involved.” 

IMG_6997: East Islip Middle School’s Leaders Club sent their love and support to the residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home this Valentine’s Day.

Photos courtesy of East Islip School District

The Port Jefferson School District recently hosted PJ Madness, a basketball tournament for students and teachers, organized by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School science teacher Mr. Charles Hafner. Along with friendly competition, a message of strength and inspiration grew from the event that raised thousands of dollars for an organization devoted to helping people living with cancer.

Mr. Hafner shared the story of Mr. Matthew DiStefano, a Suffolk County teacher who recently succumbed to kidney cancer and whose spirit and message of “We Get To” was shared throughout the district. Port Jefferson Middle School teachers Mrs. Deirdre Filippi and Mrs. Jeannette Garofola took the message to their colleagues and students, and proceeds from the tournament, T-shirts and other donations totaling $5,368 was donated to his namesake organization, the DezyStrong Foundation. The nonprofit helps support and encourage those living with a life-threatening disease.

“It is heartwarming when a school community comes together to support an initiative of this caliber,” Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Jessica Schmettan said. “It not only shows the character of our staff and students, it reinforces Mr. DiStefano’s message of living each day to the fullest.” 

Photo caption: Port Jefferson Middle School students stood in unity in their DezyStrong T-shirts.

Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson School District

To commemorate the league’s 100th season, the National Football League teamed up with DoSomething.org to invite fans, players, clubs and employees to join Huddle for 100, an effort to inspire a million people to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to make meaningful contributions to their communities. East Islip Middle School’s Leaders Club took on the challenge with a Huddle Against Hunger food drive for the homeless.

“I often to look to DoSomething.org for inspiration for our club initiatives and fundraisers,” said club adviser Laura O’Donnell. “The website focuses on what our youth can do to be inspiring role models, to support their communities, to live healthy lifestyles and to foster respect for one another, and that’s what our Leaders Club is all about.”

For a month, middle school students and staff joined club members in collecting 159 healthy nonperishable food items to help support their community, which were then delivered to the Parish of St. Mary’s in East Islip.

IMG-6979, IMG-6985: East Islip Middle School’s Leaders Club held a Huddle Against Hunger food drive for the homeless.

Photos courtesy of East Islip School District

Wantagh Middle School students collectively raised $5,642 for the American Heart Association’s annual Hoops for Heart event in the gymnasium on Feb. 27 with Jacklynn LaMacchia and Olivia Scherer contributing $725 and $511, respectively, as top fundraisers. Since the inception of the event, the school has raised more than $200,000 in donations helping to make a difference in children’s lives through the American Heart Association, while students learned heart-healthy skills. 

  The February fundraiser coincided with a basketball fitness unit and a knockout basketball tournament. Riley Berardis and James Ackermann were the tournament winners. 

Other class winners include Sabrina Asadurian, Julia Avena, Jack Brady, Anthony Calise, Damien Crowley, Frankie Falco, Madeline Gigliobianco, Mackenzie Hayes, Oliver Iacobazzi, Logan Jaramillo, Sierra Kenny, Elle Lang, Lana Lee, Meghan Libby, Colin McCann, Jayden Mun, Jacqueline Mundy, Joseph Nicholson, Devin Paccione, Katrina Pastore, Alex Roumbos, Bella Sandoval, Gabriella Sylvester, Faith Stallone, Jaden Valdez and Nikko Zervos. 

Photo captions:

A: From left, Wantagh Middle School students James Ackermann and Riley Berardis were the school knockout tournament winners during the Hoops for Heart event. 

B: Wantagh Middle School collectively raised $5,642 for the American Heart Association during the Hoops for Heart event.

C: During physical education classes, female winners from each class qualified for the school knockout basketball competition.

D: Male winners from each Wantagh Middle School class lined up to compete in the Hoops for Heart basketball knockout competition.

On Feb. 6, the students at Searingtown School in the Herricks Public Schools jumped all over heart disease and stroke by participating in Jump Rope for Heart. The students raised more than $12,700 for the American Heart Association, which funds research, programs and education to fight heart disease and stroke. 

Photo Courtesy of Herricks Public Schools