Three students awarded for community service

The Jewish Community Relations Council – Long Island (JCRC-LI), in partnership with Nassau County’s State Senate Delegation, recognized Baldwin High School students Izabelle Eustache, Grace Notarstefano, and Derek Watts. Giving each the 2022 Students Building Bridges Award for their efforts in building bridges across communities and creating a more civil society.

Each student was awarded a certificate of recognition from Senator John E. Brooks for their positive contributions and community service. All three were nominated by their guidance counselors, Stephanie Pina and Meghan Schlosser.

Specifically, the students were chosen for serving as a role model to others in Baldwin. On top of being an excellent student, Eustache has spent much of her time helping a four-year old member of her family transition to the United States by teaching her Creole and English. Additionally, she helps her elderly uncle navigate the medical system as a non-English speaker.

Notarstefano has been a member of the Girl Scouts Organization for the past ten years, participating in various inter-generational workshops. She has also helped organize a virtual online event aimed towards the younger members of the Girl Scout organization. The event teaches young girls how to recognize healthy friendships. She has volunteered with other organizations, such as the Youth Collective and Youth for Change, which promote workshops aimed towards activism.

Watts is not only an active member of his church but volunteers every summer at the Vacation Bible School, where he is currently one of the advisors. He has served as a volunteer at Sunrise Day Camp, a camp for children with pediatric cancer. Additionally, Watts volunteers year-round for the Baldwin Little League, Long Island Royals and is part of the high school’s Athletes Helping Athletes club.