The organizers of Westbury Rising have gotten off to the right start - with a name that inspires the image of the rising sun - in a district where the students have shown they can follow its path.

Most recently, the selection of Powell's Lane School as a National School of Excellence earlier this year brought Westbury national positive attention, for its committed staff and bright, receptive students. With a high population of English-as-a-second language students and students from low-income households, Powell's Lane was cited for providing a model of just what a nurturing educational environment can do for youth. When Powell's Lane students helped unveil their School of Excellence sign in front of their school in the spring, they were visibly bursting with pride and a desire to succeed. Imagine the potential success that students in all of Westbury's schools could have if they had access to more computers, science labs and reading tools.

The creation of the Westbury Rising educational foundation was a needed step in cultivating private support for district programs. Now that it is off the ground, there is no limit to the amount of interest that this diverse, dynamic school system could receive from corporations that are looking to foster our nation's future business leaders.

Given the high operating costs and property tax burden that school districts throughout Long Island are currently facing, this is an innovative funding alternative that deserves enthusiastic community support. Long-term success for this initiative could be another major win for this community.

-Andrea Morale