Dedicated student volunteers from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School were honored at the district’s Sept. 12 Board of Education meeting. The students, who were recognized over the summer with citations from the Town of Huntington for their leadership and hard work, also received additional citations at the meeting from New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern.
First up was John Glenn junior Khoshal Rametra, recognized for his volunteer work with the Huntington Youth Bureau.
“Khoshal’s family has been volunteering their time with the Huntington Youth Bureau for several years,” Principal Corey McNamara said. “Not surprisingly, Khoshal has followed in their footsteps while now advocating with the Youth Bureau against drug and alcohol use along with vaping. He attends workshops and meetings, contributes his perspective, and then turnkeys what he learns to other local teens, peers and organizations in the area. Khoshal's work does not stop there. He is also heavily involved in sports and clubs at Glenn while maintaining a high standard of expectation academically. Thank you, Khoshal, for being such a positive role model to others, for being a true John Glenn Knight and for spreading your values both in and outside of our walls.”
Next was recognition for a remarkable group of student volunteers consisting of Jada Casey, Jakeem Casey, Ellie Crowley, Olivia Hechler, Joey Mammolito, Meghan McGowan, Christina Munch, Madison Sorok and Caroline Weiss, which McNamara introduced with a short history of the district’s Best Buddies and Blooming Buddies programs, which help make connections and build friendships between students with disabilities and their peers, and the introduction of the Unified basketball, bowling and intramurals teams.
“These programs would not be where they are today without the leadership, support, hard work, and dedication of some outstanding role models and young adults,” McNamara said. “Caroline, Ellie, Madison, Megan, and Olivia have been our most dedicated members of the Best Buddies program the past few years, attending meetings and events while befriending all members of the club. Megan is a graduate and past president of the club and also participated in Unified Bowling. Caroline, Ellie, and Madison were selected to attend the National Best Buddies Training Conference at Indiana University this summer. By taking time out of their busy summer, they yet again proved their commitment and dedication to the program. We are excited to see what new ideas they may bring to the club this year. Olivia is always quietly leading by example and seeking to create the most inclusive and welcoming environment of her peers. Joey has worked to fundraise up to $7,500 to help the expansion of these programs. Jakeem was a varsity basketball player, who I don’t think ever missed a practice or game for Unified basketball. Moreover, he is often seen high fiving and greeting his teammates daily in the halls, putting huge smiles on everyone’s faces. Both Christina and Jada also volunteer for the Unified basketball program, but in addition have served as special education teacher interns in the classroom of their peers. Jada and Christina shine while working with our life school students, and I can definitely see future educators in both of them. I believe that the collective work that has been done here is an amazing demonstration and example of what the Elwood community is all about. We have tremendous community support, as seen at our events. All students are welcome and included. Students led by these fine examples before you today volunteer and participate, just because it’s the right thing to do. Our district administration helps to bring in these amazing programs all supported by the Board of Education, and our faculty and staff help to coach and facilitate. My motto has always been, we’re in this together. We are one Elwood community, and I feel lucky to be a part of it. Standing here tonight are these amazing young men and women who truly act as the driving force behind it all. Thank you again for demonstrating your Elwood pride while acting as John Glenn Knights and role models for others, and congratulations on your recognition. We look forward to seeing what you will all accomplish this year and in the future.”
“Congratulations to everyone this evening on years of hard work getting to this point,” Board of Education President James Tomeo said. “Many of you are seniors, so you’re getting to those milestones. You can really appreciate all that hard work and look back on all that you’ve done. Keep up the good work now and going forward for the rest of the year, your future looks really bright.”
Date Added: 9/16/2024