Students from Rhame Avenue School in East Rockaway proudly participated in the 21st annual Trees for Troops event at Dee’s Nursery in Oceanside, contributing to a cherished tradition that spreads holiday cheer to service members stationed overseas. The event, which has grown into a significant community effort, showcased the generosity and collaboration of local organizations, schools and first responders.

Twenty-one years ago, a mother walked into Dee’s Nursery and asked if they could send a Christmas tree to her son, who was deployed overseas. With the help of DHL, that tree made its way to the serviceman. Since then, Dee’s Nursery and DHL have partnered to send over 12,000 Christmas trees to troops stationed abroad, including locations such as Bahrain, Kuwait and Djibouti.

Dee’s Nursery, a family-run business founded as a flower cart 70 years ago by Tom DiDominica, has grown into a cornerstone of the Oceanside community. Today, it is run by Tom’s son Joe, with four generations of the DiDominica family contributing to its legacy.

This year’s Trees for Troops event was a collaborative effort involving numerous organizations and schools. Participating police departments included Nassau County PD, Garden City PD, Lynbrook PD, Malverne PD, Hempstead PD, Sands Point PD, NYPD and the MTA.

These agencies provided an escort for the trucks carrying the trees to DHL’s facility at JFK Airport, where the trees would begin their journey overseas. Partners such as TSA and border control also played essential roles in facilitating the process.

Representatives from the Oceanside Fire Department, Nassau County fire marshals, and Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick were in attendance, along with veterans’ groups including the VFW, Patriot Riders, and American Legion chapters. The Girl Scouts of Nassau County also participated, with one member singing the national anthem and the CEO speaking about Operation Cookie.

Students from Rhame Avenue School joined other schools from Lynbrook, Hewlett, Hempstead’s Academy Charter School, and Oceanside High School at the event. Two Rhame Avenue students, Chase Kearns and Alexis Merceus, had the honor of reading a heartfelt letter they wrote to the troops. They were joined by 15 classmates, members of the Student Council and World Culture Clubs, who proudly represented their school.

The event featured musical performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an exhilarating flyby by the DHL helicopter. Students from all participating schools shared letters they had written to service members, adding a personal touch to the day’s festivities.

Following the ceremony at Dee’s Nursery, participants drove to JFK Airport to assist in loading the trees onto a DHL cargo plane bound for Cincinnati and, ultimately, to troops stationed overseas. The event demonstrated the power of community spirit and the importance of supporting those who serve our nation.

Rhame Avenue School is immensely proud to have been part of this heartwarming event, which brought joy and gratitude to service members far from home during the holiday season.

Click here to view the Rhame Avenue Students Join 21st Annual Trees for Troops Event at Dee’s Nursery slideshow.

Date Added: 12/10/2024

Eighth grade students from East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School recently participated in the village’s annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony, held on the scenic East Rockaway waterfront. Sponsored by the American Legion, this solemn event brings the community together each year to honor the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

This marks the 15th year that East Rockaway students have been invited to take part in this historical tribute. Prior to attending the ceremony, the students engaged in a comprehensive lesson about the events of that fateful day, deepening their understanding of the attack that propelled the United States into World War II. The lesson emphasized the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and set the stage for their participation in the ceremony.

The event drew a diverse assembly of veterans, dignitaries, and community members, including representatives from the village government, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post, the women’s auxiliary and local religious institutions. Together, they gathered to reflect on the significance of Pearl Harbor and the enduring impact it has had on the nation.

During the ceremony, a wreath was solemnly thrown into the river, a poignant gesture symbolizing the community’s respect and remembrance for those who perished in the attack.

Click here to view the East Rockaway eighth graders honor heroes at annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony slideshow.

Date Added: 12/5/2024

Students in Ms. Healy's STEAM class at Rhame Avenue School recently had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of engineering in a hands-on challenge that tested their creativity and problem-solving skills. The task? Design and build hurricane-proof houses.

In groups of three, students used their engineering knowledge to construct model homes with the goal of making them as weather-resistant as possible. As they worked, they considered factors such as materials, structure and stability, just as engineers do when designing real-world buildings to withstand extreme weather events like hurricanes.

Once the designs were complete, it was time for the ultimate test. Ms. Healy simulated a hurricane using a fan, a spray bottle of water and a leaf blower, recreating the intense winds and rain that accompany such storms. Each team’s house was subjected to these conditions and students anxiously watched to see whether their structures would hold up.

The challenge provided a fun and engaging way for students to learn about the principles of engineering and design. Not only did they develop practical skills in teamwork and problem-solving, but they also gained a deeper understanding of how engineers protect buildings from natural disasters.

Click here to view the Rhame Avenue School students put their engineering skills to the test in hurricane-proof challenge slideshow.

Date Added: 12/2/2024