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

 

Photo caption: In honor of Veterans Day, members of the National Honor Society at Smithtown High School East crafted homemade cards thanking veterans for their service. The students made more than 300 cards in total that they delivered to the Long Island Veterans Home in Stony Brook on Veterans Day morning. 

 

Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

 

Island Park’s Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School held its annual Winners Walk, organized by the Student Council in collaboration with the physical education department, on Oct. 25. This year’s event benefitted the Aniridia Foundation International to support research for better treatment of a genetic condition that affects the eyes and causes visual difficulties.  

Classes from each grade gathered on the field, where students excitedly ran and walked while motivating each other. Some took on their goals independently, while others moved in synchronization with partners and groups of friends. Physical Education teachers Annie Bennet-Neglia and Dominick Barone led the way and encouraged the students to keep moving forward. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino was proud of the school’s team effort. She taught students at Hegarty about Aniridia a few days prior to the event. Parents watched the Winners Walk from the sidelines and cheered students on in their quest to support a meaningful cause and enjoy physical activity.

 

Photos Courtesy of Island Park Public Schools