On Oct. 27, the field behind the Grundy Avenue Elementary school in the Sachem Central School District was blanketed by students and staff members in pink supporting a great cause — raising awareness for breast cancer during a student-organized walk. Leading the charge during the event was student-coordinator and advocate Bret Auricchio.

Bret, a Grundy third-grader, took the lead on this initiative last month to raise money for the American Cancer Society. After realizing the success these walks have had elsewhere in the district, Bret was confident that his school could make a significant impact. He developed a plan for the event from start to finish, including creating and reading daily announcements and designing and distributing flyers for the students to bring home to their families.

Reflecting on Bret’s actions, Principal Laura Amato remembered a quote from renowned American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

As a result of student and faculty participation throughout the building, the breast cancer awareness walk raised a total of $1,100.

 

Photo caption: Grundywalk1: Grundy Avenue third-grade student, Bret Auricchio and his teacher, Angela Coffaro.

 

Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

 

JFK students host badminton tournament to raise funds for Special Olympics

Students and staff of John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage School District took to the badminton court on Nov. 3 to raise more than $500 for the Special Olympics.

From Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, students could purchase raffle tickets during their lunch periods to join the badminton tournament. At the end of the purchasing period, those with winning ticket numbers could ask a JFK teacher or faculty member to be on their team.

On the day of the tournament, a total of 23 participants, dressed in matching uniforms, enjoyed an afternoon of friendly competition, exercise and community involvement.  

The district extends its gratitude to physical education teacher Alyssa Kildare for organizing the tournament.

 

Photo captions:

1) Students and staff of John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage School District raised more than $500 for the Special Olympics through a badminton tournament on Nov. 3.

2) Teachers and students at John F. Kennedy Middle School battled for victory during a badminton tournament to benefit the Special Olympics.

3) Students at John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage School District cheered on friends and teachers during a badminton tournament on Nov. 3.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The first event of the year organized by the St. Joseph’s College (Brooklyn) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) was a huge success as over 50 student-athletes turned out to join the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Brooklyn Walk on Sunday, October 15th.

“Seeing so many members of our teams come together and support this tremendous organization was very special,” commented Director of Athletics and Recreation James Lally. “Everyone involved in this event saw the power that comes with uniting people around a cause. That is what it means to be a student-athlete and teammate, and that is what it takes to fight cancer; unity around a purpose.”

The student-athletes joined over 25,000 participants for the event that began at MCU Park and circled around Coney Island. Among the many people they met along the 5-kilometer stroll was NYC mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis, who also posted a photo with the Bears on her twitter.

Courtesy of: http://sjcbears.com/general/2017-18/releases/20171024n1tkan

St. James Elementary School in the Smithtown Central School District held a Glow Run to support its Parent-Teacher Association.

On Nov. 16, the school hosted the Boosterthon fun run in the gymnasium to raise money for the school’s PTA while also keeping its students active. Prior to the run, students garnered pledges and sponsors from family members and friends for each lap they ran. In total, St. James Elementary School raised more than $35,000 to benefit its PTA.

Students completed between 30-35 laps as volunteers marked off each lap completed on the grid featured on the back of each students’ shirt. To make it even more fun, students had different activities to do during the laps such as skipping, dancing and walking.

 

Photo caption: St. James Elementary School in the Smithtown Central School District held a Glow Run to raise money for its Parent-Teacher Association on Nov. 16.

 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

The West Islip High School varsity gymnastics team welcomed the Suffolk County Coaches Association Invitational on Nov. 4, marking the eighth consecutive year West Islip has hosted the tournament. This year, 16 Suffolk districts teamed up to raise $2,800 for the Diabetes Foundation.

“Congratulations to head coach Karyn Storan, her staff and the West Islip gymnasts for coordinating another successful event,” said Athletic Director Tim Horan.

 

IMG_5271: West Islip High School hosted the Suffolk County Coaches Association Invitational gymnastics tournament for the eighth consecutive year.

 

Photo courtesy of the West Islip School District