Bethpage-Tribune_2006-02-23

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Volume 44 Number7 FEBRUARY 23 - March 1, 2006 50 CENTS
Bethpage Students Make a
Difference
With Some "Change"
Normally it is not the policy of this newspaper to feature ''Letters'7
on the front page. However, when we received a copy of this letter,
which was sent to Mrs. Debbie Rut, JFK Middle School Physical
Education Teacher, we felt as though the efforts of Mrs. Rut as well as
the students, faculty and administrators of John F Kennedy Middle
School deserved nothing less than page one. So often we tend to dwell
on mishaps and shortcomings rather than accentuating the positive.
Congratulations to everyone over at JFK for making a difference...a
positive difference and that is perhaps the best lesson all of us could
learn I
February 2, 2006
Mrs. Debbie Rut
JFK Middle School
500 Broadway
Bethpage, NY L1714
Deai Mrs. Rut.
Often, when we turn on the news or open our daily papers, we learn about
the war in Iraq, the deaths of our troops, or the tragic consequences of natural
disasters. It is rare for us to take time to appreciate and recognize the many
positive events we witness every day. and that is why 1 am writing to you. At a
time when society and especially our youth are seen as cell-phone 1M and I-pod
junkies, there is a group of young people in Bethpage working very heard
to help me - someone the)' have never even met.
My name is Lisa Padalino and I am a Spanish teacher in Arlington,
Massachusetts. Last year. I was diagnosed with acute leukemia and began
treatment at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. When my sister Mary.
a teacher at the John F. Kennedy Middle School in Bethpage. shared my story
with her colleague, Ms. Rut. another teacher in the Physical Education
Department. Ms. Rut felt motivated to do something to help people like me.
Ms. Rut organized a coin drive and during the month of January and with the
support and encouragement of the students, faculty and administration raised
S2.41 L.16 10 donate to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (organization). Their
effort demonstrates that they truly understand what it means to be members of
a community. They have learned the value of teamwork, cooperation and help­ing
others - even those they don't know. When so much of education has
become focused o\\ testing, numbers and making "adequate yearly progress"
toward academic goals, it is refreshing to see a school system that has not left
behind other goals. In addition to emphasizing the importance of academic
success. Bethpage is a community that has not forgotten that our schools,
teachers and parents also help students to become caring citizens and compas­sionate,
generous people. Our children are our future. Isn't it wonderful to see
already how much positive impact they will have on our world?
Please accept my thanks for all that you have done for me. my family and
all those with leukemia. Your support, encouragement and hard work are truly
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lisa Padalino
Bethpage High School
Varsity Cheerleaders
Headed for Florida
After months of practicing, fund raising and planning, the Bethpage High
School Varsity Cheerleaders are finally off to Florida to compete in a
National Cheerleading Competition. They will be competing against high
school cheer teams from around the country. The girl's hard work and
dedication will hopefully lead them to victory! Regardless of the outcome,
we are all extremely proud of them and their accomplishments.
The Bethpage High School Varsity Cheerleaders and their coach, Jesica
Tavolacci would also like to take this opportunity to thank their families,
friends and the Bethpage community for all their generosity and sup-port.
This wonderful experience could not have happened without you!
15th Annual Bethpage
9
SUNDAY - MARCH 5, 2006
Ottand maitsbafi - 3CHD H I 3CYCB
1:00PM - Mass at St. Martin of Tours
1:45PM Parade starting at SMT through downtown Bethpage
3:00PM Ceremony honoring Korean War Veterans
3:30PM Reception at LaSalle Regional School
Tickets at door - S5.00 per person
(children Under 12 are FREE)
Entertainment by Gabe Hickey and Patrick Donoghue
The Inishfree School of Irish Dance Catering - Amy Breitenbach
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
featuring:American Celtic Pipe Band, FDNY Emerald Society, Tara Pipe & Drums,
Monaghan Pipe Band, BHS Marching Band and Nassau County Firefighters Pipes
and Drums. PLUS AOH Groups, Scouts, U.S. Submarine Veterans, Veterans Groups,
Hisotrical MArching Units, K-9 Brigade, Community and Veterans' Organizations.
Historic Preservation Groups, Antique Autos and much more.
PARADE SPONSORS:
Bethpage Fire Dept. L.I. Athletic Supply King Kullen
Supporters:
Century 21 Metro, BK Sweeney's, Emil's Garden Center, Applied Electrical
Technology, Koch insurance Agency, H2M Group, Bethpage Best Cleaners, Hartigan
Council KofC, Sanitary Barber Shop, Bethpage Bouquet, Bethpage Pharmacy, B Ray
Construction Comp., L.I Yellow Cab, Bob & Fred's Auto Body, All About Floors,
Pappardelle's, Key Cleaners, Erga Bakery, Verizon Wireless, Simply Divine, Cartridge
World, Hardman's Auto Electric, Unique Impressions, Bethpage Tool & Hardware,
Alarm Craftsman, Bethpage Insurance Agency and the Bethpage Community
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