Freeport and Roosevelt junior cadets run and walk for charitable causes

We want our students to understand that serving their community goes beyond the classroom.”

Althea Robinson-Haddo, Roosevelt High School's senior army instructor

Students from the Freeport and Roosevelt high schools participated in different charity events as a part of junior reserve officers programs. Both groups demonstrated their dedication to their communities and support for initiatives that go beyond themselves.

Freeport High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps participated in a Veterans 5K at Baldwin Park on Oct. 17. Roosevelt High School’s Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps walked in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach the following day.

The Freeport cadets showed support for local veterans and honored the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. This reflected the core values of the group—honor, courage and commitment—as well as providing an opportunity for the students to build camaraderie with one another.

This year’s Veterans 5K was managed by members of the American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centr, and was in partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3550 in East Rockaway, American Legion Post 342 in Freeport, American Legion Post 335 in Lynbrook and American Legion Post 44 in Malverne. This year’s race had a record number of participants—193—and helped raise funds for organizations that support veterans and their families.

The Roosevelt cadets participated in the breast cancer walk to honor the survivors of breast cancer and support those who are actively fighting the disease. The event helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s efforts to advance cancer research, education and patient support.

Retired Command Sgt. Major Althea Robinson-Haddo, who serves as Roosevelt High School’s senior army instructor, commended the students’ participation in the walk.

“We want our students to understand that serving their community goes beyond the classroom,” she said. “By participating in this walk, our cadets are helping spread awareness about the importance of early detection while showing support for those affected by breast cancer. I am proud of them for representing Roosevelt with such compassion.”