Westhampton Beach Senior Awarded State Youth Leadership Award

When Westhampton Beach senior Sunny Foglia started collecting hats, toys and gloves for the children at Little Flower Children’s Services in Riverhead last year, she had no idea that her efforts would earn her a New York State Youth Leadership Award.

Foglia, who was nominated for the honor by High School Assistant Principal Bryan Bookamer, was recently honored with the award from State Senator Kenneth LaValle.

“Sunny is a great example for other students,” said Bookamer. “She is a leader athletically, within her classes and within the community.”

Foglia began the initiative as a member of her school’s Rotary Interact Club after being sidelined by a volleyball injury.

“I decided I needed to find something to keep me busy while I recovered; something that would also benefit my neighbors and community” she said.

The result, which Foglia called Operation Special Box, collected more than 700 items for the children at Little Flower.

Not only did her fellow students chip in to fill multiple shoeboxes with supplies, many community businesses and residents also contributed to the effort.

Foglia, who intends to study special education in college next fall, is continuing her efforts this school year with a collection drive for local veterans.

With the help of her peers and the community, she intends to fill just as many shoeboxes with gloves and scarves for the veterans.

Congratulations to Sunny Foglia!

Photo Caption: Westhampton Beach High School senior Sunny Foglia pictured with Assistant Principal Bryan Bookamer

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach School District