Hicksville High School senior and honor student Laryssa Falkowski, 17, was killed Tuesday morning after the car she was a passenger in was hit by a large dump truck.

According to police, a 1993 Saturn operated by Jonathan Castoro, 17, of Hicksville, was traveling westbound on Old Country Road. Castoro was making a left turn at the intersection of Jerusalem Avenue on his way to Hicksville High School when he was in a collision with a 1992 GMC truck traveling eastbound on Old Country Road. The force of the accident spun the Saturn and sent it some 30 feet, knocking out a metal traffic box on the east side of the Old Country Road and Jerusalem Avenue intersection.

Falkowski was pronounced dead at the scene. Castoro was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he was admitted and listed in stable condition. The driver of the truck, 28-year-old Berner Campos of Hempstead, was not injured but received two traffic tickets for minor equipment violations. The truck, according to police, is owned by Westbury Paper Stock Company of Westbury. Police impounded both the Saturn and the truck for safety checks and Old Country Road was closed for several hours following the accident for police investigations. No charges have been filed against either driver at this time, but the investigation in continuing.

In a published statement, the Hicksville School District said "Laryssa was an outstanding student, a talented writer and accomplished artist. Well-known by peers and teachers as a giving and caring individual, Laryssa was involved in fundraising for cancer and even donated her own beautiful blond ponytail to 'Locks of Love' in order to help a child with cancer."

Laryssa was described by her art teacher Beth Atkinson as "a bright, beautiful and talented young woman. She lit up the room with her exuberant personality and incredible wit."

An honor student, Laryssa's college resume reflected her varied interests, exceptional talents and giving personality. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society and the Italian Honor Society. Laryssa donated her time and talents to many school, community and church activities, including fundraising for breast cancer, decorating store windows for the holidays, volunteering with senior citizens, participating in public library activities and exhibits and Class of 2005 events and activities, to name a few. She was also actively involved with the Ukrainian Youth Dance Group and performed at many festival and cultural events.

"Laryssa's tragic and untimely death has left the Hicksville Public Schools community heartsick," stated Superintendent Maureen Bright. "We mourn the loss of this exceptional student and extend out deepest sympathies and prayers to her family and friends."

Bright and Hicksville High School Principal Brijinder Singh noted that counselors were available Tuesday to meet with students and staff and will continue to be available in the days to come.

"This tremendous loss has affected our entire school community and is very hard on our students and staff, but it is reassuring to see our students and staff pull together to support each other and the memory of Laryssa," said Singh.

Hicksville High School guidance counselor Rosemarie Rosenblum described Castoro as a "personable, intelligent and talented young man [who] is recognized by students and staff as a talented artist and exceptional student."

Laryssa is survived by her parents Krzysztof and Valentina Falkowski; sisters Kristina Holzweiss (Michael) and Jennifer Uihlein; and grandparents Pawel Bogdanoff and Veronika Falkowski as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral arrangements for Laryssa are being handled by Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, Hicksville Chapel located at 47 Jerusalem Avenue at the corner of East Marie Street. Wake services will take place Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. with service at 7:30 p.m. A Mass will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Valdimir Ukrainian Catholic Church on Front Street in Hempstead followed by Interment at the Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.