The MacArthur High School girls tennis team was named Long Island High School Team of the Year during the 27th annual United States Tennis Association Long Island Region awards dinner, held at Chateau Briand Caterers in Carle Place on May 3. The Lady Generals were recognized for the team’s Aces for Autism clinic on the tennis courts at MacArthur High School on April 18. More than a dozen students enrolled in the school’s Applied Behavior Analysis program attended the tennis clinic. Additionally, through the sale of T-shirts and baked goods, the team raised $450 for autism awareness charities.

One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the opportunity to meet Gigi Fernandez, who has won 17 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic Gold medals.
The district congratulates the student-athletes on this outstanding accomplishment and philanthropic endeavor.

Photo Caption: Members of the MacArthur High School girls tennis team were recognized at the USTA Long Island Region awards dinner and are pictured with (left) USTA Long Island President Jonathan Klee and International Tennis Hall of Fame member Gigi Fernandez.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School students in the Habitat for Humanity Club have helped the community this year by raising over $4,000 to donate to Habitat for Humanity.

Through fundraising efforts, the club raised money with the majority coming from selling cheesecakes around the Thanksgiving season and had the opportunity to participate in two builds this school year.

Under the guidance of their club advisors Jen Basford and Dr. Arnold Kamhi and chaperones Sue Mendonca and Ricky Greening, students worked hard to construct the floors of a house in Mastic Beach and in Wyandanch. About 15 students attended each build and were selected based on their activity and participation in the club.

“The students work together very well, listen to directions and understand all of the safety precautions which they don’t take lightly,” said Ms. Basford. “I have seen so many students step up on these builds to become leaders in their pack.”

Photo Caption:

1) Elwood’s Habitat for Humanity Club helped install floors on a Habitat for Humanity build.

Photos courtesy of the Elwood Union Free School District

Although the girls are preparing for post season competition, the Hicksville varsity gymnastics team took time out of practice to participate in “Cartwheel for a Cure” , a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The girls performed as many cartwheels as they could in three minutes. Quite a dizzying experience indeed, but knowing they were once again giving to those in need made it all worthwhile.

The girls raised $315 for their 625 cartwheels.

What made it even a more special event was knowing that the money raised was being donated in the names of the 4 and 6 year old daughters of one of our own Nassau County coaches who are unfortunately are fighting this genetic lung disorder.

To learn more please visit: http://www.hicksvillepublicschools.org/domain/748

Massapequa High School hosted its Hoops for Hope fundraiser on May 5, raising approximately $2,900 in memory of a former Massapequa student. The money will go toward the Jacob Brice Memorial Scholarship fund, which presents financial awards to graduating seniors each year.

The three-on-three basketball tournament was held in honor of the young man who died in 2013, before his senior year, from complications from a heart condition and brain cancer. The event, open to students and staff, was organized by Chief’s Challenge, a club with a mission to “encourage kindness, respect and civility.”

“Jake was a positive influence on all who knew him,” said high school social worker Joanne Waters, adviser of Chief’s Challenge. “He always had a smile and a friendly way about him that made others feel comfortable when meeting him. The event in his honor was a huge success and the Brice family was overwhelmed by the generosity and support.”

Raffle tickets for gift baskets were sold throughout the week leading up to the tournament with proceeds going toward the scholarship fund. The winning basketball team was the faculty and staff trio of Matt Cunha, David Doring and Pat O’Reilly who dubbed themselves the “Old Timers.”

Photo Captions:
The Chief’s Challenge club organized the basketball tournament to raise money for the Jacob Brice Memorial Scholarship fund.