Kiwanis Club of Merrick 52nd Annual Student Recongition Night

(from left) Ali Cheema, County Legislator Rhoads, Sidra Naheed, Matthew, Alexander, Caroline Casella, Kiwanis President Seth Pitlake

The Kiwanis Club of Merrick honored one graduating senior from each of the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD schools at the Club’s 52nd annual Student Recognition Night. Each of the students, selected by their respective principal, was chosen on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular and community service activities, and outstanding character. This year’s recipients were: Matthew Alexander (Meadowbrook Alternative Program – MAP), Caroline Casella (Sanford H. Calhoun), Ali Cheema (Wellington C. Mepham) and Sidra Naheed (John F. Kennedy).

At the dinner, the honorees were introduced by the principals, who described and praised the achievements and accomplishments that led to their selection for this prestigious award. In their acceptance remarks, the students shared what their high school careers have meant to them, beyond the academics that will take them on to college next fall.

Kiwanis member Nancy Kaplan, a CHSD school board trustee, spoke on behalf of Superintendent John DeTomasso, who was unable to attend. She offered a heartfelt and insightful assessment into what makes a school – and a school district – successful, citing the caliber of educators and support that produce students like those being honored. She also delivered the Superintendent’s praise and thanks for Kiwanis’s efforts in the community, citing the support for the Community Food Bank at MAP that serves more than 60 local families. The students also received Citations from County Legislator Steve Rhoads and Proclamations from State Sen. John Brooks.

Kiwanis is a service organization for individuals desiring personal involvement in the leadership and improvement of their communities. www.merrickkiwianis.com