Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, together with Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. co-Founders Robert A.J. Eslick and Philip M. Eslick, announce their co-sponsored “Kids of Distinction” Scholarship Program for 2011.
“Now seven years running, the ‘Kids of Distinction’ Scholarship 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, six exceptional Town of Oyster Bay youngsters were honored for their commitment to their communities.”
“The concept of the program is to recognize kids for taking part in activities done on their own initiative,” Philip 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.
“Last year, we recognized a diverse group of winners who really demonstrated caring and compassion to those around them,” Venditto said. Robert added, “We are confident that this year’s group of winners will be equally compassionate and worthy of this honor. To date Kids Helping Kids has distributed $27,000 in academic scholarships to help these students fund their college education and in these tough economic times every dollar helps.”
Nominees will be placed in two categories, those currently in fifth through eighth grade and those 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 feel it is 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 website, www.oysterbaytown.com. Winners will be recognized at an upcoming meeting of the Oyster Bay Town Board on May 17, 2011 at 7 p.m. and will be presented a $500 scholarship from Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. (courtesy of sponsors: Empire Bakery Equipment-owner Mr. Claude Zarate, Atlantic Auto Group- Chief Operating Officer Mr. John Pickett and Pepsi/Tompkins Square Distributors owner Mr. Herb Hageman-Pepsi) and a Kids Helping Kids commemorative plaque. For more information on the Kids of Distinction Scholarship Program please call Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. at 249-9449 or email Kids Helping Kids at HappyKidsClub@aol.com.
