North Babylon Teachers Organization Receives NYSUT Awards
In journalism, the NBTO's newsletter, "Partners in Education," took First Place in Editorial Design. There were also two Awards of Merit: one for a feature story and another for a news story. The Editor and writer of the stories is Pat Caraway.
The NBTO was the recipient of a Community Service award for outstanding service to others. Led by members of the Public Relations Committer, the NBTO participated in the Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach in October and raised over $6,400 at the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Karaoke Contest held at the high school with staff from every school performing at the fundraiser. (Pictured are DeLuca's Tom and Doreen Heimerle impersonating Sonny and Cher as they sang "I Got You Babe" at the Karaoke Contest. They took Third Place).
In December there was the holiday Toy Drive, and in January the "Baby New Year" Drive was launched with a collection of baby items for the Deer Park Life Center. In February the "Daffodil for Days" sale raised funds for the American Cancer Society, and in March the NBTO donated towels, pet food, and pet toys to the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter. In April there was a collection of toiletries for the Town Annex, and in May and June NBTO members held the "Soldier Drive" and collected boxes of items to send to soldiers serving overseas. Throughout the year, a different school each month collected and donated food to the Town Food Pantry.
Members of the Public Relations Committee who coordinated these community service projects are Jeanne Saeli (Chairperson), Provi Bennett, Jodi Lee, Margaret Gershowitz, Diane Reiners, Ellen Kresic, Mary Marchesani, Michelle Davis, Greg Morisie, Lori Miller, Kristen Pace, John Genova, and Terri Raso.