Northport High School’s varsity and junior varsity cheerleading teams collected children’s books to donate to Huntington Hospital this holiday season. The teams expressed concern for those spending the holidays in the hospital and wanted to somehow help spread some cheer.

Students organized, collected and wrapped all 93 books collected, and personally went to the hospital to give them to the children.

“We hope we put smiles on children’s faces this holiday season,” said cheerleading coach Danielle Milazzo.

Photo caption: Northport High School cheerleaders Gabby Bell (left), Adriana Spinelli (middle) and Grace Neary were excited to spread some holiday cheer with a children’s book drive this season.

 

Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Central School District

East Islip High School students from the STARS club, National Honor Society and varsity softball team teamed up with local nonprofit Christmas Magic this holiday season, spreading cheer and acting as Santa’s personal shoppers for kids in need on Long Island. After shopping for the presents, purchased with donations from Christmas Magic, the students wrapped the gifts with care.

“It was a good feeling knowing that these kids will wake up to a bunch of presents that we helped pick out and wrap,” said softball team captain Katie Burk, whose team’s efforts were for children at a Middle Island shelter.

 

Photo Captions:

 

IMG_1562: East Islip High School’s STARS club and National Honor Society teamed up with local nonprofit Christmas Magic to shop for kids in need on Long Island.

 

IMG_1588: East Islip High School’s varsity softball team teamed up with local nonprofit Christmas Magic to shop for kids in need on Long Island.

 

Photos courtesy of the East Islip School District

Herricks High School’s Football Team and Student Government united in assembling the district’s inaugural Field of Honor as a tribute to our nation’s veterans and servicemen and servicewomen. Through their efforts, along with the contributions of many community members, the lawn outside Shelter Rock Academy on Shelter Rock Road was transformed into a patriotic display that signifies unity, courage, hope and gratitude.

More than 120 flags mounted on 8 ft. poles were placed on the field and dedicated to brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve the country. Each flag reflected a $40 donation to the Northport VA Medical Center, and a grand total of $1,881.37 was presented in the form of a check during a ceremony held on Dec. 18.

The culminating event was led by Herricks High School seniors Emily Haller, Michael Lee, Christian Marciano and Sibin Samuel, along with School Psychologist and Football Coach Dr. Michael Yoo and Principal Dr. James Ruck. Commanders Charles Boyd and Frank Russo of VFW Post 1688 and Commander Frank Busa and Third Vice Commander James T. Randle of Post 144 graciously participated.

Michael and Sibin welcomed attendees and discussed the significance of the project, then all four students read the names of those to whom the flags were dedicated.

“The Northport VA Medical Center is always working to improve the health of men and women who have proudly served our nation,” said Michael. “Our donation of almost $2,000 are going towards therapeutic recreational activities.”

Members of the high school’s band, directed by Scott Stickley, provided musical performances of the National Anthem and “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and Justin Tong played “Taps.”

 

Photo Captions:

 

1: Students Michael Lee and Sibin Samuel, Commander Charles Boyd of VFW Post 1688, Commander Frank Busa of Post 144 and students Emily Haller and Christian Marciano.

2: Justin Tong played “Taps.”

3: Students Michael Lee, Sibin Samuel, Emily Haller and Christian Marciano read the names of the honorees.

4: Representatives of VFW Post 1688 and 144 participated in the ceremony

 

Photos courtesy of Herricks Public Schools

Nassakeag Elementary School students in the Three Village Central School District recently showcased their jump roping skills as they took part in the school’s second annual Jump Rope Contest.

The contest was a culmination of a jump rope unit taught in physical education class, that was also a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. In order to qualify for the schoolwide event, fourth- through sixth-grade students had to jump rope for a minimum of three minutes continuously.

After starting the contest with 63 qualifiers, fifth-grader Jordan Zezelic outlasted everyone by jumping for 11 minutes and 32 seconds.

 

Photo caption: Nassakeag Elementary School students participated in a jump rope fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Pictured is Jordan Zezelic, the winner of the contest.

 

Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District

Long Beach Middle School students created a meaningful project for New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration initiative, with credit going to eighth-grader Sarah Gusler for her ideas and involvement. Sarah’s vision came to life as her peers came together to develop a banner that reflects their grateful sentiments.  

Senator Kaminsky put out an invitation for essay, poetry or artwork submissions for possible inclusion in a Thanksgiving Day Showcase. Art teacher Laura Swan presented the Senator’s call for participation to her classes, and Sarah took interest. She proposed that the school develop a banner that spells out the word “Thankful,” with students’ own messages contained within the letters.

Sarah wrote out the large block letters on boards of paper, each of which was assigned to a team grade. Students took time during their lunch periods to write out what they are most thankful for. The result was a collaborative outpouring of appreciation displayed in the school’s foyer.

For her thoughtful attitude, creativity and leadership, Sarah was provided with a certificate and letter of acknowledgment from the Senator.

 

Photo Caption: Eighth-grader Sarah Gusler, second from left, pictured with Director of Media, Visual and Performing Arts Julia Lang-Shapiro, art teacher Laura Swan and Long Beach Middle School Principal Paul Romanelli.

 

Photo courtesy of Long Beach Public Schools