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Vol. 24 No. 43
october 21 - 27, 2021
JFK soccer player sets sights abroad
Janette Pellegrini/Herald
FrieNdS aNd FamilY gathered for the dedication in honor of Viki Sorrentino in Bellmore. The Viki Sorrentino Foundation will continue her legacy by helping students pursue careers in music.
Beloved music teacher, cantor remembered by aNdreW Garcia agarcia@liherald.com
Victoria Sorrentino, who was known as Viki, was all about music. She was a vocal and piano coach for many years, helping local young people pursue music-oriented careers. At the Parish of St. Bar nabas the Apostle in North Bellmore, where she was the cantor, her voice was ever present during countless services. Sorrentino died on Oct. 12,
2020, at age 47, which was a shock to her sister, Nicole. Her sudden death was mourned by family and friends who knew her legacy had to live on in some way. Nicole, or Niki, started the Viki Sorrentino Foundation with the goal of promoting music education throughout the hamlets and across Long Island. On Sunday, the foundation hosted its first fundraising event at St. Barnabas, in the area where the sisters grew up.
“Viki was always so committed to music — she incorporated music into everything,” Niki said. “Her life is so connected to music.” Niki described her sister as someone who was always jovial, and who could “capture a room.” She exuded happiness, Niki said, no matter the setting. Viki taught kindergarten at Grand Avenue Elementary School in North Baldwin. Her classroom featured a piano, Continued on page 12
Isabelle Sivin, a sophomore at mates are still to be determined, John F. Kennedy High School, Sivin said that there would be will travel to Israel next summer virtual meetings prior to the as a member of the U.S. women’s games. “They said there’s Zoom u16 soccer team to compete at calls to see who you’re going to the 2022 Maccabi Games. The be with,” she explained. “They multinational sporting event, sent out an email to everyone held quadrennially in Israel, cel- who made it, and then you had a ebrates Jewish unity, culture and choice to do it or not.” heritage through athletic compeSivin has been playing soccer tition. since she was 4, The games will and has been a start in early July member of Kenand continue for n e dy ’s va r s i t y three weeks. The team since last U.S. is one of 80 year. Her coach, countries sending Christine DeFilipover 10,000 athpo, a special-eduletes who will cation teacher at compete in 39 Kennedy and a sports. Sivin was former collegiate one of just 24 girls player at Eastern from across the Connecticut State country chosen to University, told play for the the Herald that iSabelle SiViN national team for Sivin is a two-year girls under age 16. starter, a calm and There are tryouts for the Mac- composed competitor who is cabi Games, Sivin, 15, of Mer- usually an outside midfielder. rick, explained. “I was at camp, “She’s a lefty,” DeFelippo said. so I missed the first tryout,” she “Depending on the team, she can said. “They had a makeup, so I cut the ball back and use her went to that instead. It was dur- strength to pass the ball back or ing the summer — in August, at distribute the ball. Randall’s Island.” “She’s a very humble person, Although many details about not big on showing off,” DeFilippractices and meeting her teamContinued on page 24