Good News: Anti-bullying, Student Honors, New Baby

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the recent touching headlines.

Middle School Students Learn About Ryan’s Story

Students at H.B. Thompson and South Woods middle schools got a firsthand account of the effects of bullying when John Halligan visited both schools on Dec. 19. In 2003, Halligan’s son, Ryan, committed suicide at the age of 13 because of relentless bullying. In 2004, Halligan played an integral role in getting the Vermont Bully Prevention Law signed by the governor. 

Eight students from Amy Demchak-Connell’s virtual enterprises class at Westhampton Beach High School recently placed first at the annual Briarcliffe College Long Island High School Business Plan Competition. Justin Grieco, Ashley Cunniff, Tahsin Korur, Freesia Ferrantino, and Frank Leotta

Baby Boy Delivered in Syosset Home

A baby boy was successfully delivered by emergency responders in a Syosset home on Dec. 27. According to police, at 7:35 p.m., Second Precinct officers and an ambulance responded to a call for a 35-year-old woman in labor in a Pickwick Drive West home. 

Local Drum Company Donates to Musicians with Disabilities

On Dec. 20, Long Island musicians with autism and other disabilities received a large donation of drum equipment from Farmingdale-based drum manufacturer D’Addario & Co. as a free holiday gift. The FREE Drumline will use to the drum heads, drum sticks and other items when they perform in an exhibition at the 2014 WGI World Championships, organizers say. The presentation of the equipment, followed by a performance, was held at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, (FREE) Inc., 191 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road, Old Bethpage.

Old Bethpage Resident Named Kellenberg MVP

Old Bethpage resident and Kellenberg Junior, Vittoria Notaro, has been named the Most Valuable Player on the Kellenberg Varsity Gymnastics team. 

New Town Program Allows Recycling Material to be Combined

A new program in the Town of Brookhaven will allow residents to combine recycling material in one container with weekly pick-up.

Rose Brucia Foundation Sets Coliseum Fundraiser

The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation has scheduled a fundraiser for Jan. 4 at the Nassau Coliseum, when the New York Islanders host the Carolina Hurricanes.

Former Town Supervisor, Police Chief Honored

Before Bill Wilkinson left office as East Hampton Town Supervisor and just after Ed Ecker left his post as Town Police Chief, some of their friends surprised them with a party in their honor at The Palm in East Hampton on Monday. Both thought the party was in honor of the other, but then they found out it was for both of them. Wilkinson served for four years, and Ecker served as chief for three and a half years, as well as 32 years in the department. 

Three schools within the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District collected hundreds of toys for former Senator Charles Fuschillo's  Extend the Holidays Toy Drive as part of a districtwide effort among all schools to help those in need during the holiday season. Calhoun High School, Mepham High School  and Merrick Avenue Middle School students took part in the month-long drive.