North Merrick civic group honors students

The North and Central Merrick Civic Association on June 24 recognized two Calhoun High School seniors for performing community service “above and beyond the norm,” said NCMCA President Claudia Borecky. The association gave both a few hundred dollars for college expenses.

Timothy Gorecki has volunteered more than 1,000 hours for the civic organization, helping at fairs and community events, among other projects. He “has become a valuable asset to our organization,” Borecky wrote.

Danielle Japngie has focused on helping special-needs children, volunteering at the Bellmore-Merrick Challenge and other forums. She has also supported breast cancer and lupus research.

Gorecki received $250 and will attend Nassau Community College, where he plans to study criminology. Japngie received $150 and will attend East Carolina University, where she plans to study interior design.

“The North and Central Merrick Civic Association values the charitable work that our youth do in our community,” Borecky wrote. “Through community service, our children develop values that they take with them for the rest of their lives.”