During a solemn ceremony at Westbury High School's Homecoming activities on Saturday, Oct. 19, the staff and students of Westbury School District recalled the extraordinary life and contributions of the late Bondene Westring, the district's beloved, longtime athletics secretary.

At the age of 77, Mrs. Westring died Sept. 27, 2002 in the loving arms of her family from complications of diabetes and heart and liver disease. Mrs. Westring worked in Westbury Schools for more than 35 years, and is remembered for her tremendous generosity and caring toward the district's students, especially student-athletes. She was known for using her own money to buy athletes sneakers, cleats, clothes and gloves, as well as typing up college applications and driving students to job interviews.

Bondene was born Mary Bondene Raitt on April 26, 1925, in North Bend, NE. At age 19, she married her childhood sweetheart, Wayne Westring, and spent the next 10 years following his career from one coast to the other. They had three children, Ed, Liz and Lisa, and soon settled in Westbury.

Together, the Westrings contributed to their adopted community through their involvement in Westbury Little League and the Westbury Recreation Commission. As her children grew, Mrs. Westring went to work at Westbury High School, serving as secretary to the athletic director. She also served as president of the district's Secretaries Association. When her husband, Wayne, passed away in 1977, Mrs. Westring continued the tradition of community service as a member of the Westbury Recreation Commission and the Westbury Civic Association.

At her funeral, Mrs. Westring was eulogized as an extraordinary woman who "helped the students of Westbury High School to recognize that there was something special about them, and inspired them with her unfailing optimism ... She believed in the kids - and they believed in her."

In addition to her many dear students at Westbury High School, Mrs. Westring leaves behind her children and grandchildren, Wayne, Lisa, Lauren and Andrew.

At the Westring family's request, the school district has established a fund for financially disadvantaged student-athletes to carry on Mrs. Westring's legacy of caring and giving. A committee will oversee the distribution of funds. Donations can be sent to: The Bondene Westring Athletic Fund, Westbury High School Athletic Department, 1 Post Road, Westbury, NY 11568.