Westhampton Beach High School Sophomore to Receive Leaders of Tomorrow Award

For her hard work and dedication, Westhampton Beach High School sophomore Ariana DeMattei will receive the prestigious Leaders of Tomorrow award.

DeMattei will be receiving the award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Long Island Chapter at a ceremony on Nov. 13 at the Huntington Hilton in Melville.

The philanthropic award recognizes young people who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments through volunteerism and philanthropic activities.

DeMattei was selected for the award for her work on a fundraising project that she initiated four years ago, called Backpacks for Fellow Students.

The effort, which began as a Bar Mitzvah project to collect school supplies and backpacks for students in need over the course of a single year, has since expanded with DeMattei now supplying between 250-350 families annually with school supplies and backpacks.

She has accomplished this feat by holding several fundraisers throughout the year, including an annual Spring Splash and new event, called Race for a Reason.

She also raises funds through a crowd sourcing website and during collection drives at area businesses.

DeMattei says she is honored by the recognition and hopes that the award will bring attention and support to her cause, which she plans to continue in order to ensure that all area students have the supplies they need to be successful students.

Congratulations to Ariana DeMattei!

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach School District