Sewanhaka High School has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Islanders Children's Foundation through the hockey organization’s inaugural Power Play for Education program, an initiative supporting schools across Long Island and New York City.
The grant, which was received in April, was one of 10 given out during the final 10 regular-season home games of the Islanders' 2025-26 season. Through the program, the foundation distributed a total of $100,000 to schools selected through a competitive application process.
John Kenny, Sewanhaka High School principal, submitted an application focused on creating additional opportunities for students to socialize and participate in recreational activities during lunch and free periods. Sewanhaka High School, located in Floral Park, is a part of the Sewanhaka Central High School District.
“The grant proposal focused on providing games and activities that would allow students opportunities to stay active, socialize and have fun during lunch and free periods, bringing a sense of ‘old-school’ play, interaction and camaraderie back to our school community,” Kenny said.
According to Anna Rina, Islanders vice president of communications, Power Play for Education was developed to expand the organization's community outreach efforts and provide direct support to schools seeking additional resources for students.
“This is the first year we're doing this program,” Rina said. “Talking to our executive leadership, there was an interest in celebrating toward the back end of our hockey season and really amplifying our community efforts.”
While the Islanders already operate Hockey with a Heart, a program focused on nonprofit organizations, Power Play for Education was created specifically for schools. Educational institutions were invited to submit proposals outlining a need within their community and demonstrating how grant funding would help address it.
Schools of all grade levels were eligible to apply, including elementary, middle and high schools.
“The school was to tell us about a need in their community, a need in their school that they thought their students could benefit from, that they haven't been able to accomplish on their own,” Rina said.
Kenny’s proposal was selected by the Islanders Children's Foundation board from applications submitted by schools throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties and New York City. Rina said the number of applications reflected the demand for programs that enhance student experiences and strengthen school communities.
“There were a lot of great submissions that we received,” Rina said. “Anything that's going to really improve the school campus and programming within the school.”
The funding will support Sewanhaka's efforts to provide more engaging recreational opportunities for its students, encouraging face-to-face interaction and active participation throughout the school day. School officials said the initiative is intended to help students build connections with their peers while creating a more active and welcoming environment during unstructured periods of the day.
In addition, five Sewanhaka teachers and coaches — Brianne Giuliano, Casey Hayes, Samantha Romanello, Lena Demas and Deidre McIntyre — attended an Islanders game at UBS Arena, where they participated in the grant presentation ceremony and represented the school community.
For the Islanders, the program is intended to strengthen ties with local schools and students while demonstrating the organization's commitment to supporting education beyond the hockey rink.
“It gives them the opportunity to see the Islanders as partners in the community,” Rina said. “This is just another touch point, another avenue for them to see the Islanders supporting their school and their community.”
The grant will help expand opportunities for students while highlighting the impact partnerships between schools and community organizations can have on local education, officials said.
