Community Leadership Award held January 21, 2021

Ten Sayville students, two from each building, were honored for their moral character at the recent “Community Leadership Award” ceremony sponsored by The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.

For the past two years, Joe Salamone, Founder and Executive Director of The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, and Sayville Director of  Student Services Jillian Makris have teamed up to promote social and emotional wellness programs in Sayville School District.

The “Community Leadership Award” has been one such activity to acknowledge those students who daily exhibit fine character traits. These recipients have been nominated by their teachers and administrators for demonstrating “empathy, integrity, compassion, kindness,” to name just a few. 

Mrs. Makris opened the recent ceremony, noting, “Joe and I were speaking earlier this week:  this award really resonates even more this school year because of the pandemic we’re all living through. The challenges, the adversities, what you may be sacrificing…school doesn’t look the same, you can’t be involved in your activities like normal, see your friends like normal, and yet, what’s the one thing that remains? Your character, your resiliency. It persists.”

In his introductory address, Joe Salamone remarked, “One of the defining things that we think combat bullying is the nurturing of strong character. For a long time we have been trying to figure out what is our purpose, what is our point in the community. We think it is to answer three questions.  The first is: how do you find kids who are dealing with bullying? The second question is how do you help them? And the third one is how do your prevent future instances of bullying. Awards and things like this are how we think we prevent future bullying because those who stand up and show strong character and are not afraid to show empathy are exactly how future incidents of bullying will start to decline.”

Joe Salamone further explained, “The one thing we wanted to make sure about this award…is that it has nothing to do with academics. Character is not determined by whether you’re an A student or an F student.” He announced that along with the framed certificate there were prizes that accompanied the “Community Leadership Award.” Each elementary recipient would receive a kit valued at $250 of social emotional materials, books, puzzles, games to continue nurturing character. The Middle School recipients were receiving a check for $500 while the  High School recipients were receiving $1,000.

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (www.LICAB.org) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to emphasizing the importance of bully free communities on Long Island through education, increased awareness and therapeutic outlets.

Congratulations to the following students whose contributions towards their school community and those around them make the world a better place.  The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying “Community Leadership Awards” were given to:

Jordan Milo (12^th):  I first met Jordan when she was a student of mine last year in Pre-Calculus Honors.   She took the class after showing strong skills in the Regents program as a sophomore, but was not accustomed to the meticulous nature of the honors level.  Jordan was not the highest achiever in the class, but she was always willing to take on a rigorous challenge with a terrific attitude.  She often stopped in during 10^th period to ask questions and enhance her foundational knowledge of items which were difficult in class.  This alone would not necessarily be the reason to recognize Jordan for the LICAB award, though she is a terrific young lady.

Jordan had to be industrious to keep up in class.  Her time was valuable and also limited when taking such a challenging course load as a junior.  It was here that I became so impressed with Jordan.   During 10^th period, Jordan set aside time to volunteer and be a peer tutor for Algebra I students.  When she worked with struggling students, Jordan was kind, patient, encouraging and a true role model for students to look up to.  She took time to listen to the students she was working with, showed them strategies to improve and was the positive energy that struggling students often need.  I am 100% positive that her kindness and compassion was the sole reason one student in particular was able to pass the course.  I don’t believe Jordan knows the impact she had on this young lady, but I am happy that a recognition such as this can highlight her innate goodness.

• NOMINATED BY Adam Brown, Math Department Chairperson

Jordan Milo with Mr. Brown, Mr. Salamone, Principal Hoffer

Aidan McCullough (12^th):  It is my great pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for one of the most talented, personable, kind, mature, well rounded young men I have taught in over twenty years.  I do not say that lightly.  I have had the pleasure of teaching Aidan McCullough during his freshman and junior years in French 2 and French 4HPreAP.  I also had the pleasure of working with Aidan as both a regular and executive board member of my club, Athletes Helping Others for 3 years. I do not feel my words will do justice to explain the outstanding young man that is Aidan McCullough.  This letter will just never be enough. Here goes...

As is evidenced by his dossier, Aidan is an extremely talented student.  He stands out in a class of very talented, highly competitive and motivated students.  He is meticulous in his studies, genuinely interested in learning for intrinsic reasons all the while maintaining an incredible kindness, regard for others and positive energy.  Aidan is a self-motivated, determined young man.   Aidan is an assiduous, thorough, and reliable worker.  His study habits are unparalleled.  He is undeterred by a challenge.  Aidan spends countless hours outside of class and regularly requisite school work to engage in further learning.  He has a passion for language, culture and history that are incomparable.   If he finds an area where he thinks he could improve, he commits himself to working on it until he excels. 

In addition, he is always an enthusiastic participant in class.  During his junior year, I had Aidan in my first period French class.  He came in every day with energy and a positive upbeat attitude at 7:30am.  His energy, enthusiasm, and positivity were contagious. Our class could always count on Aidan to wish literally every student a good morning and greet me personally.  Before leaving every day, he would complement his classmates on their work and their contributions and wish them luck on the way to the next class.  He is the only student in over 20 years of teaching that I have ever had compliment me and thank me for my daily lessons. I must add that all of this interaction takes place 100 percent completely in the French language.  In fact, I can’t remember the last time I heard Aidan speak English. One would think that this must be a charade; a young many at this age could not possibly be this kind, mature, and generous.  I can assure you this is no act.  Aidan is easily the most outstanding student and human being I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  Aidan’s nickname among his classmates is “Big Red” after his red hair.  The language department here at Sayville, both French and Spanish teachers alike, refers to Aidan as “Le Grand Roux” (Big Read). On any given day we run across the hall to share a few phrases of a “Grand Roux” essay (his writing is well above high school level), an Aidan story, or a lively debate over who will be fortunate enough to have “Le Grand Roux” in class the following year.  Aidan changes the entire chemistry of a class in a positive way.  He naturally encourages those that are shy, compliments those that are struggling, and brings out the best in everyone around him.  Aidan is crucial in the chemistry of a class. During his junior year, Aidan volunteered his time during our extra period to tutor a young woman in the same class.  He has a gentle spirit, never condescending and always encouraging and building up those around him.  He encourages me!

Most recently, I inquired of students regarding their favorite memory of their junior year.  Many students enjoyed discussing football games and homecoming.  However, Aidan’s most cherished memory was when he had the opportunity to play badminton with the Special Needs students in our school.  Jacob, his partner, had the night of his life, as Aidan encouraged him, taught him how to play, and held his hand if he felt unsteady.  Etched in my memory are the comments from the teachers surrounding the scene asking, “Who is that kid?”  “What an incredible young man!”  If you asked his classmates about him, I am confident you could not find one student (younger or older) that could find something negative to say about “Grand Roux”. 

I strongly recommend Aidan for the LICAB Leadership award.  Merci!

• NOMINATED BY Suzanne Hoss, World Languages (French)

Aidan McCullough with Mr. Salamone and Principal Hoffer.

Ten Sayville students, two from each building, were honored for their moral character at the recent “Community Leadership Award” ceremony sponsored by The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.

For the past two years, Joe Salamone, Founder and Executive Director of The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, and Sayville Director of  Student Services Jillian Makris have teamed up to promote social and emotional wellness programs in Sayville School District.

The “Community Leadership Award” has been one such activity to acknowledge those students who daily exhibit fine character traits. These recipients have been nominated by their teachers and administrators for demonstrating “empathy, integrity, compassion, kindness,” to name just a few. 

Mrs. Makris opened the recent ceremony, noting, “Joe and I were speaking earlier this week:  this award really resonates even more this school year because of the pandemic we’re all living through. The challenges, the adversities, what you may be sacrificing…school doesn’t look the same, you can’t be involved in your activities like normal, see your friends like normal, and yet, what’s the one thing that remains? Your character, your resiliency. It persists.”

In his introductory address, Joe Salamone remarked, “One of the defining things that we think combat bullying is the nurturing of strong character. For a long time we have been trying to figure out what is our purpose, what is our point in the community. We think it is to answer three questions.  The first is: how do you find kids who are dealing with bullying? The second question is how do you help them? And the third one is how do your prevent future instances of bullying. Awards and things like this are how we think we prevent future bullying because those who stand up and show strong character and are not afraid to show empathy are exactly how future incidents of bullying will start to decline.”

Joe Salamone further explained, “The one thing we wanted to make sure about this award…is that it has nothing to do with academics. Character is not determined by whether you’re an A student or an F student.” He announced that along with the framed certificate there were prizes that accompanied the “Community Leadership Award.” Each elementary recipient would receive a kit valued at $250 of social emotional materials, books, puzzles, games to continue nurturing character. The Middle School recipients were receiving a check for $500 while the  High School recipients were receiving $1,000.

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (www.LICAB.org) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to emphasizing the importance of bully free communities on Long Island through education, increased awareness and therapeutic outlets.

Congratulations to the following students whose contributions towards their school community and those around them make the world a better place.  The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying “Community Leadership Awards” were given to:

Jordan Milo (12^th):  I first met Jordan when she was a student of mine last year in Pre-Calculus Honors.   She took the class after showing strong skills in the Regents program as a sophomore, but was not accustomed to the meticulous nature of the honors level.  Jordan was not the highest achiever in the class, but she was always willing to take on a rigorous challenge with a terrific attitude.  She often stopped in during 10^th period to ask questions and enhance her foundational knowledge of items which were difficult in class.  This alone would not necessarily be the reason to recognize Jordan for the LICAB award, though she is a terrific young lady.

Jordan had to be industrious to keep up in class.  Her time was valuable and also limited when taking such a challenging course load as a junior.  It was here that I became so impressed with Jordan.   During 10^th period, Jordan set aside time to volunteer and be a peer tutor for Algebra I students.  When she worked with struggling students, Jordan was kind, patient, encouraging and a true role model for students to look up to.  She took time to listen to the students she was working with, showed them strategies to improve and was the positive energy that struggling students often need.  I am 100% positive that her kindness and compassion was the sole reason one student in particular was able to pass the course.  I don’t believe Jordan knows the impact she had on this young lady, but I am happy that a recognition such as this can highlight her innate goodness.

• NOMINATED BY Adam Brown, Math Department Chairperson

Jordan Milo with Mr. Brown, Mr. Salamone, Principal Hoffer

Aidan McCullough (12^th):  It is my great pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for one of the most talented, personable, kind, mature, well rounded young men I have taught in over twenty years.  I do not say that lightly.  I have had the pleasure of teaching Aidan McCullough during his freshman and junior years in French 2 and French 4HPreAP.  I also had the pleasure of working with Aidan as both a regular and executive board member of my club, Athletes Helping Others for 3 years. I do not feel my words will do justice to explain the outstanding young man that is Aidan McCullough.  This letter will just never be enough. Here goes...

As is evidenced by his dossier, Aidan is an extremely talented student.  He stands out in a class of very talented, highly competitive and motivated students.  He is meticulous in his studies, genuinely interested in learning for intrinsic reasons all the while maintaining an incredible kindness, regard for others and positive energy.  Aidan is a self-motivated, determined young man.   Aidan is an assiduous, thorough, and reliable worker.  His study habits are unparalleled.  He is undeterred by a challenge.  Aidan spends countless hours outside of class and regularly requisite school work to engage in further learning.  He has a passion for language, culture and history that are incomparable.   If he finds an area where he thinks he could improve, he commits himself to working on it until he excels. 

In addition, he is always an enthusiastic participant in class.  During his junior year, I had Aidan in my first period French class.  He came in every day with energy and a positive upbeat attitude at 7:30am.  His energy, enthusiasm, and positivity were contagious. Our class could always count on Aidan to wish literally every student a good morning and greet me personally.  Before leaving every day, he would complement his classmates on their work and their contributions and wish them luck on the way to the next class.  He is the only student in over 20 years of teaching that I have ever had compliment me and thank me for my daily lessons. I must add that all of this interaction takes place 100 percent completely in the French language.  In fact, I can’t remember the last time I heard Aidan speak English. One would think that this must be a charade; a young many at this age could not possibly be this kind, mature, and generous.  I can assure you this is no act.  Aidan is easily the most outstanding student and human being I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  Aidan’s nickname among his classmates is “Big Red” after his red hair.  The language department here at Sayville, both French and Spanish teachers alike, refers to Aidan as “Le Grand Roux” (Big Read). On any given day we run across the hall to share a few phrases of a “Grand Roux” essay (his writing is well above high school level), an Aidan story, or a lively debate over who will be fortunate enough to have “Le Grand Roux” in class the following year.  Aidan changes the entire chemistry of a class in a positive way.  He naturally encourages those that are shy, compliments those that are struggling, and brings out the best in everyone around him.  Aidan is crucial in the chemistry of a class. During his junior year, Aidan volunteered his time during our extra period to tutor a young woman in the same class.  He has a gentle spirit, never condescending and always encouraging and building up those around him.  He encourages me!

Most recently, I inquired of students regarding their favorite memory of their junior year.  Many students enjoyed discussing football games and homecoming.  However, Aidan’s most cherished memory was when he had the opportunity to play badminton with the Special Needs students in our school.  Jacob, his partner, had the night of his life, as Aidan encouraged him, taught him how to play, and held his hand if he felt unsteady.  Etched in my memory are the comments from the teachers surrounding the scene asking, “Who is that kid?”  “What an incredible young man!”  If you asked his classmates about him, I am confident you could not find one student (younger or older) that could find something negative to say about “Grand Roux”. 

I strongly recommend Aidan for the LICAB Leadership award.  Merci!

• NOMINATED BY Suzanne Hoss, World Languages (French)

Aidan McCullough with Mr. Salamone and Principal Hoffer.