This year’s 20th Annual Good Deed Awards Ceremony organized by Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Director of Chabad Mineola, was highlighted by the heartwarming and inspiring speech by Andrew Paley, a parent of two 4th grade children who survived the Dec 14th shooting carnage in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
Andrew made this special trip from Connecticut with his wife and children, to share his experience with the VIP star-studded gathering of leaders in government and industry, assembled to honor Long Island teenagers for their acts of goodness and kindness.
“As we try and move on from this tragedy, we have also seen our own children grow up right in front of us,” said Andrew. “Yes, their innocence was taken from them, and yes, they had to mature quicker than anyone would want or hope. But our kids from all over Newtown, were doing things to make a difference. My own sons, Ethan and Ben helping our Synagogue lead our community in the healing of our town. So now, as I stand here today telling you a tale of a horrific and unimaginable tragedy, I come here also to tell you there is hope.
“Kids are our futures. All of you recognized tonight for the wonderful things you have done, you are our future. You are the ones that will grow up and continue to be passionate about helping others, you are the ones that will solve our problems, you are the ones that will be our leaders.”
One of the Award Presenters was Nassau County’s District Attorney, Kathleen Rice who stood at the podium, but for a more refreshing matter than she is accustomed to dealing with. Rather than announcing a criminal indictment, Kathleen presented one of the 32 Awards to deserving Long Island Teenagers.
This year the student honorees were Grace Agolia, Gregory Arning, Christopher Gabayan, Jordyn Habshoosh, Cory Levine, Katelyn Andrews, Juliana Bayda, Jeffrey Lozano, Eric Meltzer, Steven Trezza, Hannah Fagen, Laura Fletcher, Christopher Heller, Sonia Joshi, Shari Paltrowitz, Christine Beaudet, Brittany Berke, Tonya Bettineschi, Lily Pollard, Carly Salzman, Elizabeth Davoli, Iacquelyn Flor, Emily Hagen, Brittanie Joseph, Theresa LoCascio, Kevin Mohabir, Maor Purnsrian, Elizabeth Roberts, Jean Safoschnik, Brandon Schneider, John Shutkind, and Cloe Southard.
These latest teens to win this award brings the total to 760 students who have received this prestigious and coveted Good Deed Award. Rather than the negative, this project focuses on the good so inherent in our youth and help the wider community appreciate it.
Rabbi Perl always bringing out the best in people. Another year to celebrate outstanding teens who give back so much to their communities. Great job.
I remember Rabbi Anchelle Perl initiating this award ceremony several years ago and I’m experiencing this action intensify each year. The Jewish concept of kindness is spreading its light unto the nations, because Rabbi Anchelle Perl highlights these bright young american luminaries, and. importantly, he does it within a completely Jewish way.
Keep up the great work!