For the 11th year in a row, Port Jefferson Middle School students showcased their talents to raise money for the Port Jefferson based charity, Friends of Karen.

This year, the students raised $1,020 for the organization, which assists families who have a child with a life-threating illness.

This year’s winter talent show featured a number of acts, including gymnastics, comedy, piano and ukulele playing.

Photo Caption: Port Jefferson Middle School students presented a check to Patricia Conway of Friends of Karen (center, right). Also pictured is talent show coordinator Allison Giannusa (center, left).

Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

Lee Road Elementary School students in Levittown are teaming up against leukemia and lymphoma through their ongoing participation of the Pennies for Patients drive.

So far, the students have raised $695 to help raise awareness and funds for curing these diseases. The students are wearing their favorite team jerseys to symbolize their team fight against leukemia and lymphoma.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District

A sea of green blanketed the gymnasium at Rocky Point Middle School when the building hosted its first St. Baldrick’s Day program this March.

The event, which is hosted throughout the month in locations nationwide, aims to bring awareness to and raise funds for childhood cancer research. Rocky Point’s program commenced with performances by three Irish step dancers and a professional bagpiper. Then, with the help of the high school’s cosmetology stylists, close to 20 students and teachers showed their support for those suffering from cancer by bravely shaving their heads.

The event raised more than $7,300 for the cause, well exceeding the school’s initial goal of $5,000.

Photo Caption: Rocky Point Middle School hosted a St. Baldrick’s Day event this March, which raised more than $7,300 to support childhood cancer research.

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Point School District

More than 85 participants in this year’s St. Baldrick’s event hosted at Sanford H. Calhoun High School collectively raised more than $35,000.

In an effort to show solidarity to children battling cancer, participants raised money individually or as part of a team and then on the night of the event – shaved their heads.

The top team, Calhoun Football, raised $5,776 and the top individual, Calhoun student Matthew Chicco, raised $6,283.

“In our 10th year here at Calhoun we have raised over $500,000 total,” said Peter Magnuson, English teacher, coach and St. Baldrick’s coordinator.

Students, staff, administrators and community members came out to support the event.

Proceeds from these events, hosted all over the world, benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research.

Photo Captions:

Victoria Gallo, a member of the girls’ lacrosse team, raised $170 and shaved the side of her head to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Photos courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Students and staff at West Islip’s Bayview Elementary School donned purple on Feb. 12 in recognition of P.S. I Love You Day, which stands against bullying and helps to end depression and suicide. The annual districtwide event, coordinated by the West Islip High School Student Senate and LionHeart, was created in 2010 by West Islip graduate Brooke DiPalma following a family tragedy.

In addition to wearing specially designed purple shirts, Bayview students crafted classroom quilts with positive messages for their schoolmates, created special artwork and hung flags outside their classrooms.
“It was a special day that reminded us that we are each special and loved,” said Principal John Mullins.

IMG_2929, IMG_3042: Students and staff at West Islip’s Bayview Elementary School donned purple and created artwork and quilts in recognition of P.S. I Love You Day.

Photos courtesy of the West Islip School District