Photo Caption: The varsity lacrosse teams from Smithtown High School East and Smithtown High School West, along with the leadership clubs at their respective schools, recently held a toy collection during their home games. The teams and clubs asked spectators to bring a new toy when they attended a game. The coaches and team captains delivered the toys to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on April 14.

Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

More than 133 Landing Elementary School students raised $8,635 during the school’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, which benefited the American Heart Association. The school kicks off the annual fundraiser every February during American Heart Month.
Through the program, students secure donations to jump rope during their physical education class, to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the organization. Students were encouraged to raise online donations and gathered a total of 56, raising an astounding $5,816.55. The other donations were collected before school began. Robin Tenke’s third-grade class raised $1,519 — the most ever collected by one class. Many thanks to computer monitor Michele Muzante for her generous donation and for collating and counting the donations every morning throughout the fundraiser.

Every student who raised money received an instant American Heart Association lanyard and zoo animal and was placed on the school’s “Zoo Crew Team” poster. If you visit Landing School, please drop by to visualize this incredible sight.
Physical education teacher Karen Serani extended her gratitude to all of the Landing families who participated, and their neighbors and friends who graciously donated.

“Each year, we are thankful and appreciative of the incredible support throughout this fundraiser to help those less fortunate than ourselves,” Serani said.

Congratulations to Maddy Kaffl, who raised a school high of $775. Other top jumpers who raised more than $200 included: Arden Jimenez – $620, Olivia Bifone – $420, Christopher Bonilla – $275, Jaden Aguilar – $260, Lola Pagan – $250, Jonathan Patino – $245, Joseph Leftwich – $245 and Daniel Hernandez – $200.

Photo Captions:
Pictured (l-r): Students Ava Scagliola, Arden Jimenez and Maddie Kaffl are pictured with computer monitor Michele Muzante.
Pictured are students who participated in the Landing School’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser.

Photos courtesy of the Glen Cove City School District

Covert Avenue School raised an astounding $16,300 for the American Heart Association during its Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart fundraisers.

Under the guidance of physical education teacher Timothy Smith, students participated in jump rope and basketball heart-healthy activities during gym class. They also sought donations from family members, neighbors and friends. Staff members also participated in the fundraising efforts.

Principal Mary Natoli extended her thanks to all of the students and staff whose generosity made the fundraiser a wonderful success. She also congratulated students Brendan Doyle, Connor Doyle, Caleb Ordonez and Tivanie Singhroy. Each student raised more than $1,000 for the organization.

Photo Captions:
Pictured (from left): Tivanie Singhroy, Connor Doyle, Caleb Ordonez, and Brendan Doyle were recognized for being the top earners in Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart by raising more than $1000 each.
Fourth-grader Samantha Vacchiano earned prizes for receiving online donations.

Photos courtesy of the Elmont School District

By Emily Krolewicz

Sports Writer

The Coach Brown Memorial Award is presented at the annual Scotty Awards to the team that records the most community service hours per person over the school year. The women’s volleyball team has won the honor three years straight, but that streak was broken this year.

The men’s and women’s cross country team recorded a total of 1,179 hours and won the award this year. As an entire athletic department, the Scots recorded over 4,400 hours of community service.

“We had an increase in hours from last year,” said Student Athlete Advisory Committee Community Outreach Coordinator Madison Smith (’17).

“We jumped from 2,500 hours to 4,400 and I think a lot of that has to do with Sarah Dehring’s new role as assistant athletic director.

“She is able to create new service events and encourage all student athletes to get involved in them.”

These opportunities included Friend of an Athlete and a new partnership with the Special Olympics increased involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Relay for Life, Autism Awareness and collaborative projects with United Way.

Dehring said that in the coming years she hopes to have each athletic team have affiliation with one non-profit organization or community service event that the entire team can be passionate about and involved in.

“I do not believe that it is important just for student athletes to be involved in community service,” said Dehring, “but that everyone be involved. It just makes you a better person.”

Alex Leja, the women’s volleyball coach, finds pride in the community service work that the athletic department is involved in and hopes to continue to lead the volleyball program in in its involvement in the community.

“To be a student, student-athlete or a faculty/staff member of Alma College is a great privilege,” said Leja.

“To be able to give back to help make a difference in the community around us is so important in understanding just how blessed we truly are.”

Smith said that in her experience at Alma College, community service projects played a big role in keeping her grounded.

“You can get really caught up in workouts, school work and how you’re playing that it’s important to take a step back and realize the opportunities you have to give back and help others,” said Smith.

“Service is a gift that every person can give themselves.”

Source: http://www.almanian.org/2017/04/athletes-continue-giving-back-to-community/

On April 3, with the help and support of the surrounding community, the Lindenhurst High School Peer Leadership group collected more than $7,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The group coordinated the head-shaving event in an effort to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Among the participants were students, community members and members of the teaching faculty including math teacher Megan Scharf who was personally responsible for $4,000 of that amount in donations.

Photo courtesy of Lindenhurst Union Free School District