Those entering in second through eighth grade and are involved in the Village of Mineola's Summer Recreation Program got a special treat last Friday when they participated in Youth Day, sponsored by County Seat Kiwanis.

Those in the program who are entering the second through eighth grades in September faced off with others their own age in events such as sack races, kickball obstacle course and soccer. At the end of the events, Kiwanis handed out ribbons to the first, second and third place winners.

As Summer Recreation Director for the village, Suzanne Skaflestad, announced the winners, the children came up to receive their ribbons from "Mr. Mineola" John DaVanzo, Joy Savasta, and Tony Bellissimo, who were representing County Seat Kiwanis, as well village trustee Elizabeth Conlon.

Those who won ribbons included:

Sack Races

1st place winners - Catherine Pepe, Michael Orr, Megan McCune, James Pastoressa, Stephanie Rzeszut, Leonard Dul, Isabel Reis, Terry Mooney, Kim Stillwell, Jameson Canning, Monica Oliveira and Nick Tonini.

2nd place - Victoria Gentil, Andrew DeFranco, Emily Mooney, Joseph Calabro, Melissa Pastoressa, George Braun, Vanessa Martins, Kevin Ali, Joelle Mery, Chris Orlando, Sara Mooney and Brendan Douglas.

3rd place - Angela Athen, Brendan Coggins, Danielle Beck, Danny Stagnari, Michelle Coleman, Amanda Couret, James Kelly, Diana DiIorio, Kevin Etherson, Melissa Beck, Mike Vasconcelos, Jenn Presta and John Cloghessy.

Kickball Obstacle Course

1st place - Erin Carr, Michael Orr, Megan McCune, Brendan Maloney, Michelle Coleman, George Braun, Araba Appiagyei-Dakah, Terry Mooney, Kim Stillwell, Mike Vasconcelos, Sam Hegmann and Mark Lupo.

2nd place - Catherine Pepe, Caique Mello, Kristina Cotroneo, Daniel Stagneri, Nicolette Almanzar, Nicolas Conti, Vanessa Martins, Raoney Mello, Stepanie Calabro, Robert Maloney, Jenn Presta and Nick Tonini.

3rd place - Amanda Hassett, Brendan Goggins, Emily Mooney, James Pastoressa, Briana Dougherty, James Kelly, Isable Reis, Daniel Fitzgerald, Melissa Martone, Jameson Canning, Sara Spollen and John Cloghessy.

Soccer

1st place - Ali Orlando, Ryan Timlin, Megan McCune, Danny Stagnari, Amanda Russo, Leonard Dul, Araba Appiagyei-Dakah, Predro Cunha, Melissa Martone, Mike Vasconcelos, Vicki Daza and Claudio Saavedra.

2nd place - Catherine Pepe, Caique Mello, Kimmy Wallitsch, Jeffrey Tomaz, Briana Dougherty, Emal Rustemi, Vanessa Martins, Kevin Etherson, Melissa Beck, Tommy Gillece, Jenn Presta and Craig Strein.

3rd place - Angela Athan, Joe Morra, Patricia Holliday, Theo Czubakowski, Melissa Pastoressa, Will Forero, Hollie Hale, Raoney Mello, Joelle Mery, Mike Oswald, Sara Spollen and Danny Vezo.

Although some were awarded first, second and third place winners, all of the children received a ribbon for participating and giving it their all.

Afterwards, County Seat Kiwanis treated the children to barbecued hot dogs and potato chips. DaVanzo said the village and the Mineola Chamber of Commerce helped in providing the refreshments.

The Youth Day was acutally a recreation of the youth days the village sponsored years ago only this time, County Seat Kiwanis is leading the charge. "We're trying to get it going again," said Bellissimo.

As DaVanzo helped in grilling the hot dogs, he took particular satisfaction in the smiles on the children's faces. "That's what it's all about," he said.