For her efforts in helping bring smiles to children's lives, Feldman, a Hewlett High School sophomore, has been recognized by President Bush with a volunteer service award.
The President's Volunteer Service Award, from the President's Council on Service and Civil Participation, which is part of the USA Freedom Corps, was presented to the young Five Towner in the form of a letter from Bush that arrived at the Feldmans' home early last week. "It's very exciting," said Feldman of being recognized by the president.
"Through service to others, you demonstrate the outstanding character of America and help strengthen our country," Bush wrote.
Feldman also received a letter of recognition signed by the other members of the President's Council, including Chairman Darrell Green, former Senate majority leader and presidential candidate Bob Dole, and former senator and astronaut John Glenn.
The Aug. 27 Camp Feldman Camp Coleman Day for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, which Feldman helped organize, allowed 35 children to participate in activities including mini-golf, newcomb, basketball, arts and crafts and swimming, and offered them some hot meals. Feldman developed the idea for Camp Feldman a year ago with the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of New York City, where her father, David Feldman, has been a big brother for many years.
Feldman and her high school friends helped organize and run last year's and this year's Camp Feldman Camp Coleman day, which is an extension of a year-round Big Brothers/Big Sisters "matching," or mentoring, program for inner-city children, most of whom face family or emotional challenges in their lives. Each child is paired with an adult of the same sex, who takes his or her "match" on an excursion to a museum, concert or sports event at least twice a month.
"Sammi is truly a remarkable young woman, and an inspiration to adults and children alike," said Jennifer M. Hock, a case manager for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Long Island. "In coordinating and implementing this program, she truly exhibited the qualities of a wonderful role model. Sammi's positive attitude coupled with her genuine nature inspired our children throughout the day, and I am sure she will have a lasting impact on their lives."
Four days after the Camp Feldman event, Feldman ran a one-day "peer mentoring" program, teaming up with the Kidzz4Kidzz group of Nassau County Social Services. Feldman arranged for 25 foster children, who have been removed from their parents' homes, to be matched one on one with 25 carefully selected teenage friends of Feldman's. They were treated to a Mets game at Shea Stadium and pictures with the Mr. Met mascot as well as arts and crafts, games and karaoke.
"I love when the kids get all excited," said Feldman.
The teens from the Kidzz4Kidzz group plan to keep in touch, as pen pals, with the foster children.
Feldman received the Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award last year, which included a letter from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
"It is difficult to put into words the impact of Sammi Feldman's generosity -- her desire to help children and her innate selflessness," said Hock.
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