Smithtown High School East student volunteers, Smithtown Central School District administrators and Board of Education members, representatives of the United Way of Long Island, representatives of the United Veterans Beacon House and members of the Martella family gathered at Smithtown High School East on Sept. 26 to kickoff the combined efforts to honor the memory of former Smithtown Central School District Board of Education member Scott Martella.
Smithtown High School East students will organize a yearlong community service project to directly benefit United States veterans. Five Smithtown High School East seniors – Brianna Saggese, Caroline Loiodice, Brooke Berroyer, Sofia Palazzolo and Isabelle Sicoli – will be working to benefit the United Veterans Beacon House as this year’s community service project to honor Scott’s memory. The students, who are all part of a leadership class, will work with Beacon House to help understand some of the housing issues facing veterans on Long Island. The students plan to start the grassroots effort and anticipate their activities will grow as the year progresses.
Working with the United Way of Long Island, the Scott Martella Scholarship Memorial Fund will provide scholarships to students who will be attending college whose studies may include international relations or public service. United Way of Long Island’s president and CEO Theresa Regnante spoke about the connection between the district and the United Way. “Scott was a young man who made such an impact in such a short time,” she said. “We really hope the district takes hold of this project and it becomes a great opportunity for years to come.”