By Angela Marshall
The Hispanic population has doubled in the last 20 years, making it the fastest growing group in America.
Administrators of the Hispanic Brotherhood have dedicated themselves to making sure the children of the community have the educational tools to flourish. They first target grade school children, offering after-school tutorial programs to make sure they get the right start.
Last Thursday, the organization honored the hard work of five Hispanic teenagers, providing them with scholarships to continue their education. Funding for the scholarships is raised at the annual dinner.
Village, town, county and school officials all came to praise the winners for their academic excellence.
The high school seniors Jennifer Carrero, Maribel Bisono, Glenys Abreu, Ireth Gonzalez and Yomoyra Espinal thanked the community for its support.
Taking to the mic, Carrero spoke about a Loreal commercial where a woman says she uses the product because she's worth it.
Well, I know we're all worth it, she said.
When Margarita Grasing, executive director, dreamed about a new home for the Hispanic Brotherhood a few years ago, she knew it wouldn't be easy to accomplish. Now settled in that new home on Clinton Avenue, she and the organization's board continue to thank those who helped make it possible. Although new to them, the old building needed a lot of work to make it a home. They honored three individuals for their commitment to the Brotherhood and the Rockville Centre Community.
Jeff Greenfield, chairman of the Rockville Centre Zoning Board, donated many of the lighting fixtures and office equipment.
Jeff Greenfield is the consummate volunteer, said Sylvia Chertow, a member of the Brotherhood's Advisory Board. He continues to be a source of support for the ongoing efforts of the Hispanic Brotherhood.
Greenfield is a partner with NGL Insurance Group in Lynbrook.
Joseph Armellino, a lifelong resident of the village, was the force behind repairing the building's plumbing. He is a partner in Turnabout Plumbing and Heating and continues to help the Brotherhood whenever needed.
It's my pleasure to give back to the community, which has given so much to me, and will always do my best to help the community of the Village of Rockville Centre, Armellino said.
Before the Brotherhood could even ask for his help, Richard McDonough was knocking on their door offering his services as an electrician. His willingness to work well below cost helped make Grasing's dream a reality.
He's always available to help out in the community whenever he's needed, said Christina Marchissio.
The Hispanic Brotherhood also honored the Rockville Centre Police and Fire departments at the dinner. Presenters said the departments' acts of heroism on Sept. 11 served as a reminder of the valuable services they provide every day.
