The Smithtown High School East boys varsity basketball team conducted a Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser during the winter season, with the junior varsity squad also participating.
Together, the teams raised more than $1,000 for donation to the American Cancer Society. Pictured are members of the varsity squad making the donation on behalf of HSE. From left are HSE Principal Edwin Thompson, varsity basketball player Ryan Ingarosa, Tim Dillon of the American Cancer Society, varsity basketball
player Brandon Williams and varsity head coach Lou Gambeski.

The Coaches vs. Cancer program empowers coaches, their teams and local communities to raise money for the fight against cancer. Thanks to all those who supported this effort throughout the season.

Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District

Smithtown Marine Science Teacher – Ly (Kimberly) Williams – took the time to collect and donate uniforms to the children of Masese this past March. They traveled to Uganda with former Assistant Superintendent, Delia Garrity and her husband Dr. Peter Garrity. The Garrity’s travel to Masese twice a year with the assistance of an organization called Help International. Their mission is to help educate teachers, bring educational supplies and build schools.

For the past several years, Ms. Williams goes through all of their athletic uniforms that are no longer being used and she packs them up to send for the children in Uganda. Ms. Williams states: “One of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had was the first time I saw the children of Masese wearing Southside soccer uniforms. The smiles on their faces said it all. They were so proud of their uniforms and the fact that they all matched. Most children only have a few articles of clothing so team uniforms are such a luxury to them, something that most of us take for granted. As you can see by the photos attached, the very proud girl’s soccer team is all smiles and their confidence shows. On a side note, both pictures are of the girls team. The girls wear their hair cropped very short so that they resemble the boys. It is much safer for them when they are in the village and traveling to and from school alone.”

This small act of kindness has made a huge difference in the lives of children that you will never meet, children that are very proud to be called Team Smithtown!

In an effort to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, students at Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center hosted its annual hop-a-thon. Organized by physical education teachers Kathryn Fay and Elia DeBlasio, students were introduced to this opportunity and provided with information in
their physical education classes to raise their awareness of disabilities. For a few days in March, the Bellmore students hopped during lunch recess to bring awareness to the cause.

Photo courtesy of Bellmore Public Schools

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District held its “One Voice, One Message 5K Walk/Run” from Grand Avenue Middle School to Merrick Avenue Middle School on March 21. More than 430 people registered for the inaugural run, while dozens more turned out to show support. The 5K began in the parking lot of Grand Avenue School, continued on to Merrick Avenue and then circled back to the rear parking lot at Grand Avenue School. The male winner was Chris Perillo, who clocked in at 16:56. The female winner was Doreen Steen, who crossed the line at 17:57. The event was a symbolic gesture of solidarity among the two middle schools, three high schools and the Meadowbrook Alternative Program that comprise the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD. Proceeds from the 5K were donated to support pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. The event raised a net total of $10,860 for the hospital.

“In spite of the surprise spring snowstorm, the event was a tremendous success,” said Dr. Joseph Netto, one of the run’s organizers. “From the overwhelming community support to the strong showing from the district’s six schools, the 5K indeed demonstrated the principle of ‘One Voice, One Message,’ while highlighting Bellmore-Merrick’s giving nature.”

Photo: District members of the track team turned out in full force despite the cold, slushy weather. (Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District)