Three WH Students Award with WHCSA Service Award

The following is from the West Hempstead Community Support Association.

Three students were recently awarded with the West Hempstead Community Support Association's (WHCSA) $500 Community Service Award.

• Steven S. Trezza has passionately served the community as an environmental ambassador to children and adults regarding the serious hazards of storm water runoff pollution. His green interests evolved into the West Hempstead Storm Drain Project, in which volunteers donated 350 hours placing 900 “No Dumping- Drains to Bay” medallions on storm drains. In an effort to further raise awareness, he conducted an educational presentation at West Hempstead High School and set up set up informative displays at local street fairs. The WHCSA salutes Trezza’s commitment to the community by volunteering for the summer reading program at the West Hempstead Public Library, as well a variety of local non-profit organizations including the West Hempstead Rotary, Lions club, etc. 
• Christopher T. McAvoy has become a piece of the town’s story by helping to preserve the history of our town since 2010. Through McAvoy’s tenacity, he enlisted the help of the West Hempstead Historical Society President, Town of Hempstead Historian, Village of Hempstead Library Special Program’s Coordinator and others to help him create two posters delineating the history of West Hempstead -- complete with archived maps, photos and media. His efforts were honored by Nassau Legis. Muscarella and AP Educator Santarelli submitted the posters to the NYS Archives Competition, where it won further merit. Preserving and educating those about the town with a big heart fostered several public library program’s titled, “West Hempstead Then and Now”, and “Helen Duryea Remembers ..." Among his many other initiatives, McAvoy created the West Hempstead Historical Society Facebook page.
• Devin T. Rockensies has been volunteering in the community for years. As the president of the St. Thomas Youth Group, he is involved with volunteer programs for The Ronald McDonald House, soup kitchens, The Inn (a local homeless shelter) and local beautification efforts. Rockensies' commitment to help the community went far beyond his own expectations after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the homes of many in Island Park, leaving them without the basic essentials, including transportation. His outstanding efforts to help those in need included organizing clothes, canned goods, and crates of water. His experience with Sandy’s devastation and the true need for help inspired him to drive survivors back to their homes with these much-needed supplies.