'Neighbors in the News'

Youngster dresses for the occasion

Casey Dowling, 1, celebrated her first Independence Day surrounded by patriotic parents, Dan and Mena, brother DJ and her grandmother, Marianne, who lives in Inwood.

Studying pays off

East Meadow High School graduate Scott Sanders recently learned he was among 20 Long Island seniors to earn a $1,000 scholarship from Island Federal Credit Union. 

Continuing a 20-year tradition, the credit union awarded monetary assistance to students who plan to attend college at a full-time undergraduate program this fall.

Little Sponges move on up

The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes at Little Sponges were recognized at a graduation ceremony at the Diving Church of God in Westbury. In addition to friends and family, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla stopped by to congratulate the youngsters.

Temple honors gifted musician

Canter Steven Sher presented Samantha Kaiden with the 2012 Cantor’s Award in recognition of her years of commitment to the young and teen choirs at Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh. Kaiden is an accomplished vocalist and musician who served as a board member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She will begin college in the fall and pursue a degree in education.

Collegiate makes the grade

East Meadow resident Kyle Berger earned a spot on the President’s List during the spring 2012 semester at the State University of New York College at Cortland. Berger, who graduated from East Meadow High School last year, was in the top 5 percent in his class. He is studying exercise science.