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Friday, January 6, 2017
Vol. 76, No. 52
Syosset High School Interact saves a day to help save a life
Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District
Syosset HS Interact co-advisers Stacey Balducci (far left) and Carisa Steinberg (far right) with club members (standing, from left) Peri Lund, Brooke Matalon, Dara Elpren, Adam Canarick, Sahil Chaudhry, Maddy Sussman, (kneeling) Chelsea Grossman and Katy Segall wearing the Syosset hats they sold for charity on True Blue Day.
Students at Syosset High School continue to learn (and teach) valuable lessons in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. The school's Interact Club held its annual True Blue Day, designed for students to reflect on their lives, consider all they have to be grateful for, and make a difference in the lives of others. The theme for True Blue Day 2016 was "One Day, One Life," as Interact sought to raise enough money in one day to help a child born with a congenital heart disorder. During the day, club members sold their entire inventory of Syosset Spirit hats to faculty, students and families. By the end of the day, it was mission accomplished as the club raised enough money to fund one life-saving cardiac surgery for a child in need. The funds were donated to the
Gift of Life charity organization, which will identify an appropriate recipient of the compassionate gesture. For more than 10 years, Syosset Interact has been coordinating efforts that have raised more than $200,000 for Gift of Life and its efforts to treat pediatric heart patients. Recent campaigns include "Mission Heartbeat" and "7 in 7." Last year, the club sold dog tags on True Blue Day in support of the cause, and members are planning the next Gift of Life fundraiser on Valentine's Day. Pictured are Interact co-advisers Stacey Balducci (far left) and Carisa Steinberg (right) with members Peri Lund, Brooke Matalon, Dara Elpren, Adam Canarick, Sahil Chaudhry, Maddy Sussman, Chelsea Grossman and Katy Segall, showing their Syosset pride on True Blue Day 2016.
Willits students spread seasonal cheer with song Fifth graders from A.P. Willits Elementary School in Syosset continued their partnership with the Excel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Woodbury as the students visited their senior citizen friends and gave a heartwarming holiday musical performance. Under the direction of Willits music teacher Ann Marie Hennessey, Tiffany Rennard and Alison Zorn's fifth graders sang a variety of holiday songs including "Rock the Halls," "Oh Hanukkah" and many more.
At the end of the concert, students presented Excel residents with special holiday gift bags they designed. Many of them added to the festive mood by wearing holiday attire. Willits students have been performing for residents of the center for more than 10 years.
Fifth graders from A.P. Willits School performed holiday songs for their senior friends at Excel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
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