Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, together with Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. co-Founders Robert Eslick and Philip Eslick, recently announced that their co-sponsored Kids of Distinction program is returning for 2010.
“Now six years running, the Kids of Distinction program was initiated in an effort to recognize outstanding young people who have been active in exceptional endeavors in their community,” Venditto said. “At last year’s ceremony, eight exceptional Town of Oyster Bay youngsters were honored for their commitment to their communities. Last year, we recognized a diverse group of winners who really demonstrated caring and compassion to those around them.”
“The point of the program is to recognize kids for taking part in activities done on their own initiative,” Old Bethpage native Philip Eslick said. “Last year’s group of winners certainly fit the bill, many going above and beyond the call of duty to help others in their community.”
The Kids of Distinction program focuses on activities participated in outside of school. These activities should have, in some way, benefited the community.
“We are confident that this year’s group of winners will be equally compassionate and worthy of this honor,” said Robert Eslick. “To date, Kids Helping Kids has given $25,500 in academic scholarships to help these students to fund their college education; and in these tough economic times, every dollar helps.”
Nominees will be placed in two categories – children currently in fifth through eighth grade and children in grades nine through 12. The age groups were established so nominees can be evaluated fairly against their peers. Three winners will be selected in each category by a committee organized by Kids Helping Kids.
“There are so many wonderful young people living in the Town of Oyster Bay who not only demonstrate academic or extracurricular skills, but also do a little something extra to help make the world a better place,” Venditto said. “We felt it was important to recognize our young residents who involve themselves in voluntary community, charity or civic activities on their own individual initiative.”
Anyone who wishes to nominate a student, should fill out a nominating form and submit it to Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., prior to the April 30 deadline. Nominating forms can be obtained at Town Halls North (Oyster Bay) and South (Massapequa), as well as at local libraries.
Nominating forms can also be found on the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbay town.com. Winners will be recognized at an upcoming meeting of the Oyster Bay Town Board and will be presented a $500 scholarship from Kids Helping Kids (courtesy of title sponsor: Empire Bakery Equipment – Claude Zarate, Herb Hageman, Pepsi, among others) and a commemorative plaque. For more information on the Kids of Distinction Program please call Kids Helping Kids at 249-9449 or e-mail Kids Helping Kids at HappyKidsClub@aol.com.
