There was no sleeping in for this group of special teenagers last Sunday morning. A contingent of J. Taylor Finley Middle School Junior National Honor Society members got out of bed bright and early with a determined sense of purpose. The young scholars participated in the 13th annual Jigsaw 4-Mile Run/Walk in East Islip. Proceeds benefited the E.J. Autism Foundation.
The event drew hundreds of folks of all ages to the East Islip Marina. After checking in and assembling at the starting line the runners/walkers enjoyed the flat and furiously fast race course through scenic local streets before finishing on Great South Bay.
The E.J. Foundation’s mission is to “create autism awareness and to support programs and schools on Long Island that work with children on the autism spectrum,” according to the organization.
The Finley Junior National Honor Society chapter has had a decades-long commitment to charitable causes. The school opened in September 1965 and since then its students have captured every conceivable honor in all academic disciplines as well as the in the arts and athletics and for leadership and community service.
Veteran teacher Amy Hughes serves as the honor society’s faculty advisor. Dozens of high performing students comprise the organization, which maintains exceptional membership standards.
In return for getting out of bed a lot earlier than usual on a Sunday morning, the Finley scholars were filled with the amazing feeling a person gets from helping others in need.
Contact Ms. Hughes at hughesa@hufsd.edu for more information about Finley’s National Junior Honor Society chapter. This year’s induction ceremony for a new group of members is slated for Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium.