To officially kickoff National Volunteer Week (April 22-28), Senator Kemp Hannon bestowed the New York State Senate Liberty Award, one of the state's highest commendations, on more than 15 honorees who aided in the rescue or recovery efforts after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, including Hicksville resident Sandeep Pahuja who aimed to deter terrorism and biased attacks by fostering attitudes of tolerance and understanding.

"So many people want to help and don't know where or how to begin," said Hannon. "It was imperative that we honor those who, during the terrorist attack and its aftermath, acted on their own to help others. Their example challenges us all to give of ourselves for the common good and provides us with role models to emulate."

In the wake of the attacks, Pahuja, a senior at Bethpage High School, founded Students United, a school club comprised of multiethnic students with the intent to raise awareness of diversity in culture and commonalties as caring Americans. Pahuja and three friends, Sami Hadi, Zach Schiff and Zack Ross, concluded the need for such an association when a college friend of Pahuja's became the victim of a biased crime shortly after the attacks.

"We didn't want that to happen at the high school level," said Pahuja. "There are a lot of people in our generation who care about what's going on in the world."

Although discrimination did not become a problem in Pahuja's community, Bethpage High School Students United celebrated multiculturalism and focused on fundraisers. Activities included the making of a multilingual banner of unity with 15 foreign languages hand sewn by students onto cloth and a talent show which raised close to $4,000 for the 13 Bethpage families personally victimized by the attack on the World Trade Center. Pahuja is hoping the association, which is advised by Jacqueline Jill-Rito, continues to thrive after he graduates, promoting tolerance and embracing differences.

Created in 2000, the New York State Liberty Award is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers and their community. Hannon put out a call for Liberty Award nominations at the end of 2001 and his office received over 100 applications. Hannon chose each recipient primarily for his or her initiative, responsiveness and generosity.

"We were truly overwhelmed and gratified to see so many examples of generosity, courage and volunteerism. It was difficult to select the winners because every person nominated had helped people."

In order to inspire potential volunteers, Hannon encourages people to visit the Points of Light Foundation's website at www.pointsoflight.org and link to the "Getting Involved" section. Some of the ideas listed on the website include collecting warm clothing for the homeless or needy, performing household chores for an elderly or homebound person or coaching a youth sports teams.

"There are about 50 simple ideas on how to help someone - your neighbor, local children or senior citizens - that you can begin today," Hannon said.