Teen Sled Hockey Volunteer Recognized for 10 Years of Service
Portledge School student Brody Ort, who has volunteered to help disabled athletes with the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team for the past 10 years, has been recognized for his efforts.
Ort volunteers for the organization that serves juvenile and adolescent athletes who have physical and/or mental challenges to develop confidence and a positive attitude. During his time with the Rough Riders, Ort has assisted players with their skills in sled hockey and worked with organization President Frank Martin to raise funds for the team’s ice time and travel costs.
“His simple act of kindness has connected athletes with different abilities and skills to support each other on and off the ice,” said Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (I-Syosset). “I am proud to recognize Brody for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the Rough Riders organization and its players.”
Portledge spokesman Ryann Supple said Ort works as a peer advisor at school, mentoring incoming freshman students in the Upper School in grades 9-12. He is also a student ambassador, giving tours of the school and providing his own Portledge experience to prospective families. Besides his ambassador work, Brody is an Advanced Placement (AP) student on the hockey, lacrosse and soccer teams.
Ort intends to use his experience with the Rough Riders for his senior project. The project is a graduation requirement at Portledge which students work on throughout their senior year involving the criteria creativity, action and service.
Upper School Dean Gregory Barton describes Brody as a top student who can be relied on heavily as a student leader and “has a hand in all things on campus.”
“The word ‘leader’ comes to mind but also the word ‘authentic,’” says Barton, who has worked closely with Ort. “What I admire about him is he is very cool and calm but also has time for those social interactions and remains a nice and likable person.”
