Assemblyman Thomas Alfano has announced that a $10,000 grant has been secured for the Elmont Union Free School District for the purposes of sponsoring cultural and anti-violence programming throughout the school district. The grant is the third such item that Assemblyman Alfano has been able to channel to the school district in the last year.

"Elmont Union Free School District is a special place where many ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds come together in one of the very best learning environments on Long Island," said Assemblyman Alfano adding "this grant is special because it brings together many culturally educational aspects to the classroom. It also sends a strong message to students that gangs and violence are nothing but trouble."

Alfano also stated that funding programs like the one slated for Elmont makes the community a better place to live, work and raise a family. "Good schools with strong curriculums better prepare our children for the challenges of college and making a better life for themselves and their community," Alfano noted.

Deanna Doreson, president of the Elmont Board of Education, remarked, "I want to express our thanks for the generosity and care that Assemblyman Alfano has shown our school district. The Elmont community is very lucky to have such a caring person represent us. His priority is children's education and their well-being -- we can't thank him enough."

"The Elmont School District is innovative and very sensitive to the needs of the children," said Alfano adding "these programs are clearly very specialized and serve the needs of the community at large. When I see the results that this school district produces - it makes me work even harder for the Elmont community."

"Every time I've visited a school in this district whether it be Gotham, Clara Carlson, Alden Terace or Covert Avenue, I'm so impressed by the students, faculty and administrators. They love their work - and the students learn," Alfano stated.

Aubry Phillips, the newest member of the Elmont UFSD Board of Education, notes "I'm very happy to see this grant come to the school district by Assemblyman Alfano. Elmont needs more diversity awareness and programming concerning the dangers of violence."

The grant is called a "bullet-aid" item that is derived by left over school aid that has not been distributed to school districts. The aid is targeted for school districts and can be earmarked for a specific use. "Dr. Palandra, the board of education and I felt that this aid would be best used in a program initiative that addresses culture, education and the dangers of violence in our community," said Alfano.

Elmont Union Free School District Superintendent, Dr. Maria Palandra said "Assemblyman Alfano has taken a keen interest in our student's development and growth in education. Our district can't thank him enough for his hard work and caring about our children and community."