Hicksville, New York – The Morgan Center, a preschool program for children battling cancer, recently held its 14th Graduation and Moving Up Ceremony. The Morgan Center program, located in the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center, allows pre-K students in cancer treatment to interact and socialize in a safe environment that stimulates their development and general well-being. The ceremony was attended by over 100 family members, supporters and community leaders.
The Morgan Center is named after Morgan Zuch, daughter of founders, Nancy and Rod Zuch. Morgan underwent cancer treatment at a young age and missed out on the opportunity to attend pre-K. Today, Morgan, a college athlete at Marist College, is cancer free and continues to support The Morgan Center.
Through generous donations, The Morgan Center is free of charge, making it accessible for families of pre-K children undergoing cancer treatment. The program focuses on children and also gives parents a place to meet other parents who are going through the same challenging experience. Through The Morgan Center, families develop a support system and gain lasting friendships.
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“Today is an important and inspiring day. We watched children achieve an important life milestone. Graduation day is a time for families and children, along with our staff, to celebrate. At The Morgan Center, we give a small group of pre-K children who are battling cancer an opportunity to go to school, interact with others, learn and develop important social skills. Programs like this are needed across the nation,” said Nancy Zuch, Director and Co-founder of The Morgan Center.
The Graduation and Moving Up Ceremony began with a procession of students into the Athletic Center’s hall. The children enjoyed singing and dancing to cheerful musical performances after which they received their diplomas and medals marking the day and their achievements. Following the ceremony, the families gathered for a party.
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The Morgan Center recognized several donors, supporters and community leaders in attendance. The Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino; Town of Oyster Bay Councilmen Gregory Mangino and Louis B. Imbroto and Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich, who presented a proclamation to the school for its exceptional work. Councilman Steve Flotteron of Islip, a longtime supporter of The Morgan Center, was in attendance as well as New York Mets legend Buddy Harrelson, board member, and New York Islander legend Clark Gillies.
If you would like more information on The Morgan Center, please visit www.themorgancenter.org or call 631-206-1341.
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Members of The Morgan Center’s Class of 2017 pose for a graduation photo along with:
First row from left- Alex Holt, Max Holt, Zonera Tanveer, Nate Harkin, Henry Morrone, Dylan Panchoosingh, Roger Panchoosingh (Dylan's Dad), Suzy Heilpern (supporter),
Second Row from left- Tracy Benizzi (teacher), Jaden Rodriguez, Mesiah Singh, King Singh, Nate Sim, Morgan Sim, Joyce Hatziyianis (teacher),
Third row from left – Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, New York Islander legend Clark Gillies, Morgan Zuch holding Isabella Ieraci, Catt Mach (teacher) holding Peyton Harkin, Nance Hincliffe (Music Teacher), Carrie Sheerin (teacher), Cindy Dolgin (teacher)
Fourth row from left - Councilman Louis B. Imbroto, Founders Rod and Nancy Zuch, Trevor Zuch, MaryEllen Borghese (teacher)
Top row from left – Morgan Center Board Member Buddy Harrelson, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich, Councilman Thomas P. Hand, John Bozard (President of Orlando Health Foundation and President of Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation), Councilman Steve Flotteron of Islip
Media Contact:
Bill Corbett Jr., Tel: 516-775-0435, wjcorbett@corbettpr.com
