Elwood-John H. Glenn High School and the Elwood community rallied together to raise money for the Tom Cutinella Scholarship Fund and created a plaque to commemorate Tom Cutinella, a Shoreham-Wading River football player who passed away after a high school football game against Elwood in October.

In the name of Cutinella, Elwood-John H. Glenn athletic teams collected donations at their sport events during the week of Oct. 5, which they referred to as, “a week of remembrance.” In addition, Glenn students created a “54” plaque in memory of Cutinella.

Students, faculty and staff at Elwood-John H. Glenn High School presented the “54” plaque, along with a check in the amount of $4,559.00 for the Tom Cutinella 54 Scholarship Fund to Ed Troyano, president of the Wildcat Athletic Club. Appreciative of the community gesture, Shoreham-Wading River High School affixed the “54” plaque on the wall of their gymnasium.

Courtesy of Elwood Athletic Department

Earlier this school year, Fire Island’s Woodhull Elementary School introduced an eight-week mindful education program, which included lessons on becoming more empathetic and understanding toward others.

As part of this mission, the school recently coordinated two community service drives for those living locally and working abroad. Working together, the school students and staff collected several boxes of non-perishable food items for a

Thanksgiving food drive benefiting Long Island Cares and families in need. The first and second grades also donated 17 pounds of Halloween candy to Dr. Tichler’s dentist office for soldiers serving the country. It was noted that

Woodhull’s donation was among the top amounts received, for which they were awarded a letter of commendation.

Photo Caption: Woodhull Elementary School students Chloe Phillips, Wylie Phillips and Casey Cole are pictured here with some of the items donated to the school’s

food drive.

Photo provided by the Fire Island School District.

Before leaving for a well-deserved Christmas break, Island Trees High School’s athletes had one more piece of business to take care of. The Athletes Helping Athletes program took a trip to the Townhouse Extended Care to spend quality time with the residents. Each athlete was assigned to a member of the home and was told what they wanted for Christmas. Requests ranged from sweaters to sweatpants to jewelry. The students were responsible for buying and wrapping a gift. When they arrived at the home, the kids met up with their residents and presented their gifts; the reactions were priceless. Several of the residents cried tears of joy when they realized what had been done for them. Their emotional appreciation overwhelmed some of the students who did not realize how their simple act of kindness could have such an effect.

Our athletes spoke with the residents, listening to tales of their childhoods and hearing stories about their families. Having people to listen to them is a luxury many residents of the home lack, so this was a special treat. The athletes concluded their trip by showcasing their other talent: singing. The group sang nearly 30 Christmas carols, fueled by the joy they saw in the eyes of their audience, many of whom sang along. When it was time to leave both the students and the residents begged our club advisor to consider another trip in the near future.

We hope your holidays were as joyous as that day at Townhouse.

Story courtesy of Island Trees Athletics. You can see more at: http://www.islandtrees.org

Hundreds of gently used toys filled a box truck and school bus during the Three Village Central School District’s annual stuff a bus holiday toy drive.

Coordinated by R.C. Murphy Junior High School, the event was supported by W.S. Mount, Minnesauke and Arrowhead Elementary Schools’ students and staff.

Members of the Murphy student government delivered the generous donations to the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center in Wyandanch just before the holiday break. This center serves one of the largest, neediest populations on Long Island.

WESTBURY BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM PARTICPATED IN THE COACHES VS. CANCER TOURNAMENT IN DECEMBER 2014. IT IS A FOUR SCHOOL TOURNAMENT WITH BOTH JV AND VARSITY PLAYERS.

APPROXIMATELY 120 STUDENT ATHLETES AND COACHES PARTICIPATED.

THE TOURNAMENT RAISED FUNDS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER AND HELPED CREATE A WORLD WITH LESS CANCER AND MORE BIRTHDAYS. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!