Seizing the opportunities to be involved

The crowd was a roaring sea of blue and white as the Hewlett Bulldogs scored the first touchdown at their Homecoming game last Saturday.

With the stands full, some Hewlett fans stood around the field’s fence or on the opponent’s side. Excitement was in the air as the first half ended with Hewlett in the lead.

After much preparation the previous week, the cheerleaders and then the marching band with the color guard performed during the halftime. The game ended in our school’s favor a 47-12 victory over Valley Stream South.

The Homecoming parade’s Grand Marshal was Thomas Russo, Hewlett High School’s recently retired principal. “I had the opportunity to say good bye to teachers and former students at my retirement party. There was one good bye I wanted to have and that was to my students and their parents. Getting the chance to be in the parade and wave to the many parents who gave me unconditional support was awesome. Finally I said good bye to the students at the sold out Homecoming game. My last words to all are thank you and never forget me. I will never forget you.”

With our new principal Dr. Theodore Fulton and Hewlett’s Youth Leadership Forum, there are plenty of things to look forward to this school year. First up is the Arts Below Sunrise event taking place between the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library and Irving Place in Woodmere on Sept. 29. The second annual event and is organized by the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund (HWPSEF) and staffed by community volunteers from the HWPSEF, the high school and middle school Youth Leadership Forum, Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, Five Towns Community Chest, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, School District 14, Hewlett and Woodmere fire departments, auxiliary police and supporters from our neighborhood. The event will include live music, artists, dancers, crafts, games, and food vendors. It will definitely be an enjoyable occasion you won’t want to miss out on!

When the Youth Leadership Forum of Hewlett High School gathered for the first time in the new school year on Sept. 19, the large group of mainly teenagers and some adults broke off into smaller committees. As a part of the recycling committee, I’m proud to say that Hewlett High School will be establishing system for recycling paper this year. A first step in our attempt to make the school more eco-friendly.

Another big project of the YLF has been the community garden, located behind the Hewlett House. Throughout the summer, the garden

had many successful harvests. On Sept. 30, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling the Garden Learning Center. All are welcome to this noteworthy event and to check out the garden.

There are many things to look forward to this school year. We’re lucky to live in a community filled with so many opportunities, and if you haven’t already, I suggest seizing them.