Woodhull Student Council Closes
Year of Activism
The Woodhull Intermediate School student council closed out the year with a unique working meeting. A team from Bethpage Federal Credit Union was on hand to present a check for $771 made payable to Homes for Heroes, matching dollar-for-dollar funds raised by the youngsters to help renovate the home of injured war hero James Byler.
The Woodhull student council reached a decision in January to sell bracelets with US Marine 1st Lt. Byler's name on it in honor of the 2003 Huntington High School grad's service to America. He lost both legs when a bomb exploded while he was leading a patrol in Afghanistan.
Funds raised from the bracelet sale where earmarked for donation to Homes for Heroes, which has taken the lead in making alterations to the Byler family home to make it more accessible for Mr. Byler.
When the folks at Bethpage Federal Credit Union heard about the Woodhull initiative, they wanted to help, too. "A generous offer to match whatever we could raise was made," said teacher Scott Armyn, who is co-advisor of the student council along with teacher Christine Barresi. "When the students found out, they were motivated to step up the effort even more. They were able to get a real sense of how a small movement or act of generosity can grow into something bigger."
The bracelet sale soon took off, with students and adults snapping up the item. "When they saw that other segments of the community were interested in getting involved in something they started, they really felt empowered," Mr. Armyn said. "I hope it's a lesson that will stick with them."
The students were beaming when Bethpage officials came to the school with the check, as well as a large mock one that members of the group and Woodhull Principal Mary Stokkers posed with in the school courtyard.
"We are proud of every student, including the student council which spearheaded this initiative to raise funds for Lt. Byler," said Robert Suarez, Bethpage Federal Credit Union's assistant vice president for community development. "What an amazing effort the students of Woodhull Intermediate have done for their local hero. I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support and thank Woodhull for allowing Bethpage to match the funds to meet the goals."
The final meeting and the donation ceremony left student council members feeling proud of their efforts. "The members of Woodhull's student government have shown a tremendous amount of dedication and generosity throughout the school year," Mrs. Barresi said. "They have managed to excite the student body with their enthusiasm to help others less fortunate and bring about a cheerful school spirit. They are to be commended for their fine character and generosity."
Some of the year's highlights include:
• Raising $759.51 for UNICEF in November.
• Food drive at Thanksgiving to benefit those served by the Helping Hands Mission.
• December toy drive.
• Raised $225.18 for the American Red Cross during a "Hats for Japan" fundraiser.
• Raised $771.00 for Homes for Heroes (plus a matching donation of $771.00 from Bethpage Federal Credit Union).
• Conducted "spring cleaning" and school beautification projects.
• Conducted monthly spirit days at Woodhull.