After volunteering much time around the holidays to help others, Lincoln Orens Middle School’s Builder’s Club supported the Melanoma Research Foundation in February through a “Cocoa for Cancer” fundraiser. 

Club members sold hot chocolate during the lunch periods on Feb. 11 to raise money for the organization and increase awareness about Melanoma. A total of $204 will be donated in memory of a student’s family member. The Builders Club is sponsored by the Island Park Kiwanis and meets under the guidance of teacher Karen Davis.

Photo courtesy of Island Park Public Schools

The sun shined down and illuminated the faces of Harborfields’ “Sunshine Girls” as they stood in the courtyard at Oldfield Middle School on March 11. 

The female-run nonprofit group was founded in summer 2019 by Madeline Barker who, after meeting Donna Schmidt of Maggie’s Mission, wanted to spread joy and positivity throughout the community. Maggie’s Mission, in honor of Maggie Schmidt, is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancers.

Since its inception, the Sunshine Girls has raised funds and supported local charities like Maggie’s Mission and Gabby Gives, which was created in honor of former Harborfields High School student Gabby Cava, who recently passed away from colon cancer. She was a close family friend of Sunshine Girl Natalie Hering. 

“Watching her and her family fight the battle with cancer impacted my life tremendously,” she said. “Gabby was fearless and fun and always full of joy, even on her hardest days. I want to do anything I can to help spread the joy I saw in her to others fighting their own battles.”

The group’s first public appearance was on Halloween at Value Drugs in Greenlawn, where they handed out candy to trick-or-treaters and collected donations for Maggie’s Mission. “I hope we made an impact that day and continue to help others,” Mia McNally said.

Since Halloween, the girls have raised over $4,000 wrapping gifts for the holidays, performed in Harborfields High School’s variety show and most recently, collected over 600 fuzzy socks to donate to area hospitals in honor of Gabby Cava. “She loved fuzzy socks,” Natalie said. 

The remaining Sunshine Girls, Giavana Ciaramitaro, Sophia Casillo, Lyla Barker, Liana Flowers and Kaitlyn Wille all shared stories of why they chose to join the nonprofit, which ranged from personal connections to simple desires to give back to those less fortunate. 

‘When I was offered a spot in this organization, I accepted it without thinking twice, and so far, it has been the best decision I have ever made,” Liana said. 

Photo captions: Pictured left to right, Mia McNally, Sophia Casillo, Madeline Barker, Natalie Hering, Kaitlyn Wille, Lyla Barker, Giavana Ciaramitaro and Liana Flowers. 

Photos courtesy of Harborfields Central School District 

It was an eventful day at the Carle Place Middle-High School as students, staff and community members raised a record breaking $28,413 for Duke Children’s Dr. Kishnani’s Pompe Disease Fund during the school’s 13th annual Battle of the Classes, Battling for a Cause on Feb. 28. Leading the program were Key Club adviser Ms. Maddalena Buffalino and Student Organization adviser Ms. Jillian Kelly.

Pompe disease is a rare, inherited condition that affects multiple organ systems due to a buildup of glycogen in the body. The funds that were raised will assist in advance research, develop new therapies and improve the quality of life for patients. This charity was chosen by the students, who were inspired by the story of Roseann and John Favicchia’s granddaughter Sophia, who is impacted by this disease.

During the battle, students participated in events like skit competition, coin wars, potato sack race, inflatable obstacle course and tug of war. The district congratulates the Class of 2020 for winning the battle.

Funds were raised outside of school and through an online fundraising platform. The district applauds the dedication and commitment that students and staff devoted to achieve this successful outcome.

Photo caption: 1-6: Carle Place Middle-High School students and staff successfully raised a record breaking $28,413 for Duke Children’s Dr. Kishnani’s Pompe Disease Fund during the school’s 13th annual Battle of the Classes, Battling for a Cause.

Photos courtesy of the Carle Place School District

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