Advocating for higher education

Seven Lawrence High School freshmen were awarded $2,500 for winning a tri-state video competition known as “Make Your Mark,” a contest sponsored by the Smithsonian Channel and Optimum cable service.

The Lawrence students competed against their peers within the Optimum service viewing area that includes New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to win the prize. Their video entry was focused on increasing the number of high school graduates to attend four-year colleges. Currently, 52 percent of Lawrence High School graduates attend four-year schools, based on student research. In comparison, neighboring Hewlett High has 86 percent of its graduates attending four-year colleges.

Lawrence High Social Studies teacher Frank Zangari was the team’s faculty advisor. “I think the whole project worked out well from start to finish,” he said. “They were inspired by the Smithsonian video that was posted on their webpage. The prize money is going to help students in need to use toward the $100 application fees in applying to four-year colleges.”

A ceremonial large check was presented at Lawrence High School’s Little Theater on May 30. Smithsonian Channel Senior Manager Lakeisha McCoy expressed excitement about the winners and the competition. “This video is an example of a positive change to leave a lasting impression in your school,” she said. “At the Smithsonian Channel, we pride ourselves on telling American stories. We are always looking for fascinating stories to tell our audience. This video is one of those kinds of stories.”

State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) stressed the importance of a quality education. “Congratulate yourselves for winning this award,” he said. “Learn from your experience in creating this video, and learn from each other. Peer to peer, you can talk to your fellow students and encourage them to keep their grades up, and to apply to colleges. It’s so important to get a good education because having one gives you so many more options.”

The winners showed their nearly five-minute video that includes interviews with this year’s Lawrence High seniors, asking them about their college application processes. They presented their school’s statistics for graduation rates and four-year colleges in a slideshow.

Contest winner Allen Green, said the projects was a lot of fun and couldn’t think of anything he would change if he were to repeat the work. “We asked seniors in our school what they were doing for college,” he said. “Mr. Zangari came up with the initial concept and it snowballed from there. For me, the best part of this competition is being responsible for helping people go to college.”

Stony Brook University freshman and Lawrence High School alum Nicole Gartner shared her experiences as a first-year college student and thanked the students for their interest in helping future Lawrence grads. “College is so important because we are constantly growing,” she said. “It forces you out of your comfort zone, and you either sink or swim. Your contribution to Lawrence High School makes me so proud. Keep moving, striving and growing.”