October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate people with Down Syndrome and to make others aware of their abilities and special gifts.

The Dallastown Cheerleaders have chosen Kira as a part of their DT Cheer family. “She brings joy and laughter to every practice and game! She makes friends easily, she loves to dance, and she loves getting dressed up, whether it’s in her cheer uniform or in her homecoming dress! We love you, Kira and this month we celebrate you and all of your accomplishments!”

To learn more about DT Cheer visit: www.instagram.com/dt_cheerleading

Through a series of events, Rocky Point Union Free School District recently helped to raise $3,400 in support of those fighting breast cancer.

Over the past several years, Rocky Point has been a large supporter of the Side-Out Foundation, an organization established to unite volleyball players and coaches as they work toward the common goal of furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services. Each year, the school dedicates one fall volleyball game to the cause through an event called Dig Pink. Athletes wear pink uniforms and volunteer to raise funds through bake sales, donations and silent auctions.

This year’s fundraising also included a denim day for staff. Both events were coordinated by the volleyball teams as well as the members of the Rocky Point High School Leaders Club.

Photo caption: Rocky Point High School students were all smiles as they sported many shades of pink during this year’s Dig Pink volleyball fundraiser.

Photos courtesy of the Rocky Point School District

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School clubs came together to support victims of Hurricane Maria on Oct. 20. The school held a Zumba fundraiser thanks to the efforts of members of the Conciencia Latina, Key Club, S.O.U.L, Spanish Club, Madrigals and Global Ambassadors.

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Spanish teacher Gabrielle Romanelli, who is also a Zumba instructor, spearheaded the initiative and conducted a two-hour Zumbathon along with four other volunteer instructors.

The clubs sold food, water and tickets and collected canned foods and other essentials for donation. They also conducted different activities throughout the evening. The event raised $3,415 for the Hispanic Federation Fund-UNIDOS Hurricane Relief Fund.

Photo caption: Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School clubs held a Zumbathon fundraiser on Oct. 20 and raised $3,415 for victims of Hurricane Maria.

Photos courtesy of Copiague School District

The Bay Shore Girls Volleyball program hosted their annual DIG PINK Breast Cancer Match. This year’s was the most successful fundraiser in team history, raising $1,900 for the cause! A very special thank you to Jeanne Pirkl for collecting, organizing and decorating the raffle baskets. As always, Bay Shore businesses were extremely generous and supportive of this special event. Finally, to the players and their families – thank you for the dedication, time and delicious donations for the bake sale! #BSSDPride #DreamLeadAchieve