Wantagh Middle School students want everyone to have a healthy heart. That’s why they collectively raised more than $9,000 for the American Heart Association in the annual Hoops for Heart competition.

It was the 27th year that the school has raised money for the organization. Students participated in basketball shooting contests during their physical education classes, with teachers Eileen Keener, Thomas Liguori, Gary Reh and Keith Sachs. The winner from each class advanced to a schoolwide competition on March 3.

With eighth graders cheering from the bleachers, the 34 contestants battled it out until there were 12 finalists – six boys and six girls. They then participated in another round until a winner emerged from each group. And two champions just happened to be siblings, Alexander and Ava DeVita, who were presented with trophies. 

After the competition was over, the three middle school students who raised the most money for the American Heart Association this year were recognized. Victoria Guber, Bridgid Reilly and Logan Scrivanich each collected more than $750, and together their donations totaled about $2,400 – nearly a quarter of the money the school raised.

As a reminder of the cause, the gymnasium walls were covered in red paper hearts, on which students wrote words of encouragement or messages in honor of a loved one who battled heart disease.  

 

Photo captions:

1: More than 30 Wantagh Middle School students participated in the annual Hoops for Heart championship on March 3. This year, the school raised more than $9,000 for the American Heart Association.

2: Principal Anthony Ciuffo, Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi and Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics Jennifer Keane congratulatethe Hoops for Heart winners as well as the three top fundraisers, from left, Alexander DeVita, Logan Scrivanich, Victoria Guber, Bridgid Reilly and Ava DeVita.

3: Boys semifinalists warmed up for the schoolwide competition. 

4: Semifinalists for the girls were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. 

5: Siblings Alexander and Ava DeVita were crowned champions of the Hoops for Heart competition. 

 

Photos courtesy of the Wantagh School District

The Waverly Elementary School community came together on March 3 for its annual St. Baldrick’s Event. Marking the first time the event was held in-person since the pandemic, Waverly was excited to have 10 shavees back on stage to support those affected by childhood cancer.

This year’s event was dedicated to Sarah Sorensen, a Waverly second grader who has been in remission for the past five years.

“The fact that her school today is honoring her is so overwhelming. Waverly is an elementary school that is completely supportive to all of its students,” Sarah’s mom, Michelle Sorensen, said.

Six students, two parents, a teacher and Waverly Principal Kevin Tougher were among those who raised at least $50 to have their heads shaved. Sachem High School East students in the cosmetology program held the buzzers to help out at the event.

This year’s event raised more than $9,000 for the St. Baldrick’s organization. Over the course of eight years that the school has been participating in the program, Waverly has raised more than $200,000.

 

Photo captions:

1 – Waverly second grader Sarah Sorensen (middle) was nominated by her teacher, Danielle Sexton (right), to be the honoree at this year’s event. Sarah is currently in remission.

2 – Sachem High School East cosmetology students shaved heads during Waverly’s event.

3 – Waverly Elementary School Principal Kevin Tougher was among the shavees.

4 – Students were excited to support the fight against childhood cancer by shaving their heads.

5 – Waverly’s St. Baldrick’s event had 10 shavees including students, faculty and parents.

 

Photos courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

Photo caption: Hampton Bays Elementary School’s community service club, K-Kids, recently donated $250 to the Ronald McDonald House as part of an annual fundraiser. To raise the funds, the students sold Pop-It keychains. The fundraiser is just one of several that the K-Kids have participated in this year. They are currently raising funds for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital through a St. Patrick’s Day-themed fundraiser. 

 

Photo courtesy of the Hampton Bays Union Free School District

Some of Long Island’s best athletes paid a visit to Accompsett Elementary School on National Read Across America Day, March 2.

Cross-Country runner Sabrina Spezia along with members of the Stony Brook football team read books to fifth grade students. 

More athletes were expected to visit in the following weeks to read to other grade levels.

Photo caption: Stony Brook University athletes read to Accompsett Elementary students.

 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

The Relay For Life team at Smithtown High School West recently racked up another first-place win. The competition was called “Fund the Mission” and it was to see who can raise the most money in a 72-hour span.  

The West team raised nearly $11,000 and was the number one fundraising high school in the nation.

This is the second year in a row High School West has won this competition. The district gives a special shout out to students Jessica Amado and Julia Pappas who both finished in the top 10 in individual fundraising.

 

Photo caption: Smithtown High School West Relay For Life team along with Assistant Principal Michael Freiberg and teachers Dillon Archer and Cathy Abbott.

 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD