School Briefs

Plainview Resident Is Scholarship Recipient

From L to R: Provost and Dean of Faculties Dr. Herman Berliner, scholarship recipient Michelle Jerson, scholarship donor Dr. Gary Kreps and Chairperson of the Hofstra University Board of Trustees Helene Fortunoff.

Peer Leadership Club Draws Praise

The Plainview - Old Bethpage JFK High School's Peer Leadership Club was recognized on Monday, Dec. 15 by the board of education for their efforts to provide AIDS education for their peers. This fall, 20 peer leaders were certified as Peer AIDS educators by the North Shore University Hospital. An additional 25 peer leaders received training from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.

The peer leaders subsequently shared the information they gained with fellow students by organizing events in recognition of World AIDS Day. Students sponsored two assemblies for the entire student body and faculty, who heard guest speakers disclose their very personal stories and provide accurate information about the HIV virus. The week culminated with a highly successful AIDS Dance-A-Thon that was supported by the entire community. The dance raised over $4,000 to support the programs and services of the People With AIDS Coalition (PWAC).

At the board of education meeting, Principal Art Jonas commended the student leaders of the club - Daniella Mancini, Rachel Brecher, Courtney Sherman, Keri Schindler, Scott Klayman and Stacey Rosenstock and faculty advisors Betty Iannotti and Donna Jahn for their efforts.

The $4,000 donation to PWAC will be used to support their youth services programs. An additional $200 is being donated to North Shore Hospital to fulfill their holiday Make-A-Wish program for pediatric patients in the HIV unit. Ginger Lieberman, board president, thanked the students on behalf of the board and congratulated them on an outstanding job.

Wall of Fame

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Leonard B. Symons (third from right) recently honored Plainview-Old Bethpage/JFK High School alumni who were inducted to the JFK High School Wall of Fame. Pictured left to right are: Principal Arthur Jonas, honoree Joe Barile, Superintendent Dr. Anthony P. Cavanna, honoree Nicolle Karas, honoree Jeffery Symons (All-County Track and Field), Councilman Len Symons, Booster Club President Jo-Ellen Bromberg and Athletic Director Kevin McDermott.