Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 100
Value of Time Served: $3,479
Event Type: Health & Safety
Activity: Boys Lacrosse
School: Ward Melville Senior High School
Date: May 11, 2026
Location:
Iron Patriots HQ
Ward Melville High School, Old Town Road
Setauket- East Setauket
About:
Community service has never been just an activity for this student-athlete — it has been a lifelong mission rooted in personal experience, advocacy, and a commitment to protecting others.
In March 2000, tragedy struck when their uncle, Louis Acompora, passed away after being hit in the chest by a lacrosse ball, triggering a sudden cardiac arrhythmia. At the time, AEDs were not commonly available on athletic sidelines. In response, the family transformed unimaginable loss into action by helping establish the Louis J. Acompora Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
The foundation went on to play a major role in the passage of New York State legislation requiring AEDs at public school athletic events — legislation that has since helped save lives across the state.
Growing up surrounded by the foundation’s mission, community service became second nature. From an early age, they volunteered at CPR trainings, educational programs, and the annual LA12 lacrosse jamboree, learning firsthand the importance of advocacy, education, and giving back to others.
Those experiences inspired a passion for making a direct impact within the local community.
More recently, alongside a teammate, they launched a fundraising initiative offering free individual and group lacrosse training sessions for younger athletes. All proceeds from the program go directly toward creating AED Save Stations at local middle schools, helping improve emergency preparedness and cardiac safety for future generations of student-athletes.
Beyond raising funds, the initiative has created opportunities to mentor younger players, grow the game of lacrosse, and continue spreading awareness about the importance of AED access and cardiac safety.
By combining athletics, leadership, and service, this student-athlete is carrying forward a powerful legacy — turning personal tragedy into lasting community impact while helping ensure safer environments for young athletes everywhere.
