Number of Participants: 26
Hours Donated: 6
Value of Time Served: $1,318
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Lacrosse
School: Plainview-Old Bethpage/Jfk High School
Date: April 21, 2025
Location:
Plainview Old Bethpage John F Kennedy High School
Kennedy Drive, Plainview
NY
About:
For the Plainview-Old Bethpage Varsity Baseball team, this season was about more than just competition—it was about compassion, connection, and creating change.
Now in his second year coaching the team, Coach Schatt brought a meaningful initiative to his athletes: an Autism Awareness Game. Inspired by his own experience as a student-athlete in Plainview—where he once took part in a similar effort—he felt it was important to pass that experience forward.
“I remembered what it felt like to be a part of something bigger than the game,” he shared. “I wanted my players to learn about autism, understand the importance of inclusion, and see how sports can be a platform for positive change.”
The team didn’t hesitate. Players assited by selling T-shirts to raise funds and awareness. The team will make the donation to a local autism awareness organization. Their dedication went beyond the game, as they will prmotoe the mission throughout the month of April—National Autism Awareness Month.
The team is also committed to supporting other meaningful causes, such as the Wounded Warrior Project. Last year, they honored the memory of local hero Jonathan Diller and showed their appreciation for all police officers. It was a powerful reminder that these student-athletes are developing not only as athletes but also as compassionate leaders in their community.
