Oceanside High School juniors Tess Mazeika, Max Greenberg, and Meghan Jenkins have been honored with the prestigious Students Building Bridges Award, presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. The award was given during a Holocaust Remembrance Commemoration at Adelphi University on May 15, where the students were also recognized by members of the Nassau County Legislature for their commitment to building inclusive and compassionate communities. The three students were nominated by Joseph LaTorre, a middle school English Language Arts teacher and longtime Bridges program advisor, who also attended the ceremony.
The Students Building Bridges Award celebrates youth who promote civil discourse and understanding across diverse communities. Tess Mazeika, Max Greenberg, and Meghan Jenkins were recognized for their leadership and service through Bridges, a unique partnership between the Oceanside and Uniondale school districts. All three have been active in the program since seventh grade, participating in dialogue-based events and mentoring younger students.
Tess Mazeika has championed inclusion and understanding through nearly six years of Bridges involvement. She also serves as an officer in SLATE, a student advocacy group, and Natural Helpers, a peer mentoring program. Mazeika co-founded a support program for elementary students with special needs, volunteers at Camp Anchor, and has participated in Students Inside Albany, where she shadowed state legislators. Her advocacy, leadership, and service across Long Island have made her a standout voice for meaningful change.
Greenberg is a student-athlete, mentor, and civic leader who balances numerous commitments with a strong dedication to community building. A varsity swimmer, golfer, and soon-to-be Eagle Scout, Greenberg also builds stage sets for the school’s thespian club and teaches workshops to help seniors guard against online fraud. He represents Oceanside in international affairs debates, mentors ESL students, and is a leading participant in the World Interest Club. His thoughtful engagement across disciplines makes him, as one teacher put it, “the best of us.”
Jenkins is a passionate mental health advocate and servant leader. In addition to her leadership in Key Club and Sources of Strength, a suicide prevention and wellness program, she volunteers with Island Harvest, the John Theissen Foundation, and Rough Rescue. Jenkins plays a key leadership role within Bridges, guiding middle school participants and helping to shape the program’s vision. Her kindness, compassion, and consistent service have made a lasting impact on her peers and her community.
“We are so proud of Tess, Max, and Meghan for being recognized for the work they have done to promote inclusion, understanding, and unity,” LaTorre said. “They represent the very best of what young people can accomplish when given the tools to lead and the opportunities to connect.”
