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$5,000 grant helps children at Hagedorn zation focused on supporting Long Island communities. Jennifer Kirincic, HagedoThe Hagedorn Little Village rn’s fundraising director, said School in Seaford, which serves the school did not apply for the children with developmental grant but was selected by MWI delays and disabilities, has and invited to attend its annual philanthropy lunreceived a $5,000 cheon, held in June philanthropy grant at the Plainview from the MeadowJewish Center, to brook Women’s Inireceive the grant. tiative to help sup“We were conport the school’s tacted by someone e d u c at i o n a l a n d on their board and therapeutic proi nv i t e d t o b e a grams. recipient,” Kirincic The publicly said. “It was a nice f u n d e d , n o t - f o rrecognition.” profit school, at 750 Kirincic said the Hicksville Road, $5,000 grant would provides services help cover general for inf ants, preoperating expenses schoolers and eleand purchase mentary-age chilessential items dren. According to its JENNIfER KIRINCIC used by children, teachers and therawebsite, t h e Fundraising director, pists. While no speschool’s mission is Hagedorn Little cific item has been rooted in compas- Village School e a r m a rk e d , t h e sion, respect and funding helps support for families, offering comprehensive ensure continuity in care and educational and therapeutic services, she said. The school’s approach comprograms designed to help chilbines both educational and dren reach their full potential. The Meadowbrook Women’s therapeutic services to meet Initiative, or MWI, is a Nassau the diverse and complex needs County-based nonprofit organiContinued on page 19
By DARSH MIRCHANDANI
Intern
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Courtesy office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
Honored for a heroic deed State Sen. Steve Rhoads presented the New York State Liberty Medal to 9-year-old Carter Santelmo, a former Levittown resident, on July 18 for saving his younger brother’s life during a 2023 family trip to Florida. Story, more photos, Page 16.
Giving every student a voice Ferrara earns Girl Scout Gold Award for music project By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
A passion for music and a desire to make it accessible to children of all backgrounds and income levels have earned Seaford’s Samantha Ferrara the prestigious Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Ferrara, 19, a member of Seaford Girl Scout Troop 3614 and a 2024 graduate of Seaford High School, received the award in June for her project, which focused on increasing music accessibility for young students. She was one of 48 Girl Scouts in Nassau County to earn the distinction this year, and received a $1,000 scholarship for her efforts.
Ferrara said she was proud to be recognized for the achievement, which she worked hard on. “To sustain and continue to bring joy to the kids in my community, and help them have this creative outlet, was just something that meant a lot to me,” she said, “and it made me very happy.” Open to scouts in the high school grades, the Gold Award is awarded for projects that address community issue with lasting impact. According to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, a project must involve at least 80 hours of work, be sustainable, have a global connection, and reach people in the community. As a member of the Seaford High chorus, Ferrara took part in All-State Choir as a junior. Continued on page 15
e facilitate each child in achieving their highest potential socially, educationally and emotionally.