Friedlander Upstander Award Nassau & Suffolk Counties

On April 7, 2011, LBHS Freshman, Shannon Sondergaard, was nominated by a LBHS guidance counselor, Jackie Gallinaro, for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County for the Friedlander Upstander Award $2,500 Scholarship. Shannon's work in her school and community on behalf of other students embodies the Centers mission and exemplifies all that they teach in their education programs. Shannon is the daughter of Phyllis Farese-Sondergaard and Robert Sondergaard, Ass't. Superintendent of Parks & Recreation in Long Beach.

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center is the VOICE OF TOLERANCE on Long Island. Their Tolerance/Anti-bullying workshops teach young people how to move from indifference to action. They teach about the dangers of antisemitism, racism. bullying and all other manifestations of intolerance. They promote resistance to prejuidice and advocate respect for every human being.

The Center, in cooperation with the Police Departments of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, announced the first annual "Friedlander Upstander Award."

The $2,500 education scholarship was awarded to one student from Nassau and one student from Suffolk Counties, who has shown herself to be an Upstander against intolerance in any of its forms. The student's action as an Upstander was one of intervention or prevention. The award is designated for eduational purposes. Representatives of the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation, the Center, and the Police Department presented the award to Nassau County student, Shannon Sondergaard of Long Beach High School and Suffolk County student, Brooke Di Palma of West Islip High School on May 18, 2011. Honorable Mention went to a Wantagh High School student.

The Friedlander Family Foundation was established by Claire Friedlander, a Holocaust Survivor whose life was saved by people who took a stand against prejudice and intolerance. This award honors her life, and embodies her legacy.

Middle school and high school students were eligible. Students were nominated by an adult in their school or community. Both student and adult each submitted a one-page summary explaining why the student should be the recipient of the "Friedlander Upstander Award."

Nominations were submitted by a teacher, guidance counselor, community leader or any adult other than a parent or guardian who has knowledge of the student as an Upstander.

The summary included details on how the student took action against intolerance or promoted acceptance and respect within their school or community. This is an award to promote positive behavior among youth.

Application packets were submitted by Friday, April 8, 2011 to Sarah Cushman at Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, NY.

The winners were notified on May 6, 2011.

Congratulations!