Commack Students Honored for Community Contributions
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left to right, standing: Frank Agovino, AP at Commack Middle School; Nicole Kregler, Director of Guidance; Carrie Lipenholtz, AP; Evelyn Cardenas, AP; Christine Nicols, Guidance Counselor, and Michael Larson, Principal. Students seated: Ryan, Jordan, Athena and Jillian. 
Four Commack Middle School students received Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, to recognize their outstanding volunteer service and dedication based on their academic accomplishments, character traits, volunteer work, and participation in school activitie
Athena Efthymiou and Jillian Cestaro, each consistent high-honor-roll 7th grade students, were chosen to receive Certificates of Achievement for distinguished accomplishment in volunteer service. They are awards finalists, and their applications have been nominated for state recognition. Jordan Hub and Ryan Smith were selected as “Top Volunteers,” and they both received a Certificate of Merit from Commack Middle School. Their work has truly been inspiring to others and has been beneficial to the greater community.
Awardee information:
Athena Efthymiou is dedicated to fundraising for research in helping to find a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis through the annual “Take Steps Walk.” This determined young lady reaches out to individuals and businesses for assistance in fundraising. Her passion to this mission hits close to home, as Athena was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was three. Athena takes on the role of team leader of “Team Miou,” and her responsibilities in fundraising and organizing have helped to raise over $10,000. On account of her hard work, Athena was nominated to be the spokesperson or “Shining Star” of the 2017 walk. Athena has shared that it feels amazing to be making a difference and to help others who have been going through the same experience.
Jillian Cestaro is a founding member of a family run group called “Kids 4 Causes.” It is a group of five students dedicated to helping others. Jillian was inspired by the classic starfish story, that one person, one step at a time, can make a difference. Her group participates in fundraisers and volunteers their time to support different non-profit organizations. They have helped in various ways, from crafting pillows for patients at Stony Brook Child Life Services to raising funds to pair service dogs with special needs individuals. So far, she and her team have raised $5,000! Jillian is a very well rounded student as she has been involved in school clubs, sports, named Team Spirit Leader and Student Council President.
Jordan Hub, an eighth grade National Junior Honor Society member, got involved in community service for her Bat Mitzvah project and it launched into a dedicated, continuing volunteer effort. Jordan was shocked at the price of sports equipment and wanted to make a difference to others in need. She works with a not for profit organization called “Let’s Play it Forward,” and has collected lightly used and new sports equipment for underprivileged children. She used social media and placed donation boxes in many buildings and businesses throughout the community. She collected over 600 pieces of equipment, including uniforms, balls, sticks, helmets, cleats and sneakers. Jordan feels good that many underprivileged students will get the opportunity to play sports and learn important life skills, like teamwork.
Ryan Smith, an eighth grade student, has the true spirit of community service, and embodies this through his commitment to school activities. He is the president of the Middle School Leader’s Club, an organization dedicated to community service. Ryan is also on the Student Council Executive Board and was newly inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Ryan dedicates time out of his day, whether it is during lunch or after school; to help organize events and activities, including participating in the Thanksgiving drive, helping in our school’s car wash fundraiser and assisting sixth graders transition smoothly into the middle school.
Athena, Jillian, Jordan and Ryan are just a few of our students dedicated to improving the lives of the people in our community. Special thanks go out to ALL students at the Middle School who selflessly give their time to help others in need.