|
|
| | 
|  |
| |  | | 
| | | (click for larger version) | |
September 09, 2009 | 03:34 PM
SBS brings computers to Uganda
After several months of planning, Stony Brook residents Scott, Martha and Maggie Pavao traveled to Busia, Uganda to set up a computer school and internet café for New Hope Orphanage which is operated by New Hope Africa Children Ministries. They brought a mix of 12 new and donated laptops to East Africa to assist Old Field resident Christopher Higgins in his effort to help New Hope Orphanage train not only their students, but others in the town of Busia, Uganda. The profit made at the computer school will help the orphanage become a self-sustainable entity and not have to rely on funds from the Ugandan government or funds remitted from abroad. Scott and Martha, who both work at The Stony Brook School, and Maggie, who is a senior at The Stony Brook School, stayed in Busia for two weeks. During that time they set up the computers, networked them, trained the older children at the orphanage and the adults in charge of managing the school, and also taught other subjects at the orphanage. Christopher Higgins, an alumnus of The Stony Brook School, is currently a junior at Harvard University, and the founder and president of Friends of New Hope Foundation — a charitable nonprofit foundation which raises money for the Ugandan orphanage. The funds for the computer school were raised in memory of Chris's father, Marty P. Higgins, a resident of Old Field who died in March. The 88 children of New Hope Orphanage continue to need support and monthly sponsorship. If interested in supporting a child, please visit www.newhopeafricanchildren.org.
Pictured, left to right, volunteers from The Stony Brook School, Megan Knab of Stony Brook, Hannah Mitchell of East Setauket, Martha Pavao, Christopher Higgins, Maggie Pavao, Scott Pavao and Sarah Higgins of Old Field, in front of the Marty P. Higgins Computer School in Uganda.
Karelis is a 2009 Davidson Fellow
Jason Karelis, 17, of East Setauket has been named a 2009 Davidson Fellow and is the recipient of a $25,000 scholarship from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. A graduate of Ward Melville High School, Jason is attending Brandeis University this fall and will pursue a major in biochemistry or biophysics. Jason plans to continue his work in science research.
Karelis studied an enzyme called MenD that plays a role in the biosynthesis of a lipid called menaquinone in Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that causes staph infections. Menaquinone is an electron carrier crucial to S. aureus. Jason constructed a mutant strain of S. aureus with a disrupted MenD gene and observed its growth on media only with menaquinone added, evidence that MenD is vital for S. aureus. Staph infections are a major public health concern and Jason's work provides a platform for a new class of antibiotics.
At an early age, Jason was fascinated by science and mathematics. He was selected to join his high school's InSTAR science research program, which he says opened his eyes to the many opportunities to learn and become involved in research at a university.
Jason took Advanced Placement classes and also enrolled in courses at Stony Brook University through the Young Scholars Program. Jason conducted his research at the Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery at Stony Brook University. He trained diligently for a period of months, mastered complicated and detailed laboratory techniques, pieced together new bits of extremely complicated and detailed information, and implemented it all in his Davidson Fellow project.
Jason was a member of the Science Olympiad, math team, and academic team. He was also the news editor of the school paper. In his spare time, Jason enjoys reading, playing piano and saxophone, biking and playing tennis with friends.
Jason began playing the piano at age 7, and since fifth grade has played at nursing homes in addition to leading other recreational activities. Jason was a teaching assistant for the Science Olympiad Summer Program for elementary and middle school children. Through Ward Melville's Honor Society, Jason assisted with the organization of school service activities, fundraising for charities, beach clean-ups and community events. He also volunteered at the local soup kitchen.
Benson performs at Hampton Classic
Carolyn Benson, a lifelong Long Islander, lives on the North Shore with her husband and two children.
Since embarking on her performing career, she has worked with a production company that performs throughout the tristate area and New Jersey. Her favorite performances were of Ethel Merman in "Home for the Holidays," Mae West in "Hollywood Hideaway" and most recently Dolly Levi in the CM Performing Arts Center production of "Hello Dolly!"
Carolyn would like to express her deepest gratitude to Shanette Barth Cohen and Michael Howell for giving her the greatest honor of singing the National Anthem for the Hampton Classic Horse Show.
Bonuso to be honored at 60 over 60
Dr. Carl Bonuso of Setauket will be honored at the School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. second annual Sixty over Sixty Awards Gala on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Bonuso served for the past 10 years as the superintendent of schools in the Wantagh School District, until his retirement in June. Wantagh is the only district of its size in New York with all of five schools recognized as both New York State and United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. He taught for 36 years prior to being superintendent. Bonuso spearheaded the development and growth of district curriculum councils at both the elementary and secondary levels, and initiated additional training districtwide. He has also initiated discussions that have led to the addition of district crisis intervention teams, short- and long-term technology plans and the development of the District Parent Center.
The Sixty over Sixty Awards Gala will raise funds for SBPLI-LI FIRST's Robotics Competition program. This Long Island regional competition, part of a national program, challenges teams of students and mentors while teaching them teamwork, confidence, leadership, and many other work skills. These sixty individuals being honored are the dreamers who made it happen, inspiring the dreamers who will make it happen!
| |
|
|
|
| |
Copyright 2010
(631) 751-7744 | news@tbrnewspapers.com | www.northshoreoflongisland.com | About |
|
| |
|
