State Bank and News 12 Host Students Making a Difference Awards Dinner

On Wednesday, June 13, 2007, State Bank of Long Island and News 12 Long Island hosted a Students Making a Difference Awards Dinner at the Woodbury Country Club from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Awards Dinner honored the seventy students who were featured in the Students Making a Difference program aired by News 12 Long Island, and sponsored solely by State Bank of Long Island, every Thursday from September 2006-June 2007. The program recognizes Long Island students who are making a difference in their schools or community through acts of volunteerism.

Each student received a Certificate of Recognition from State Bank and News 12 and a Certificate of Award from either Nassau or Suffolk County, depending on their place of residence. The students also received a check from State Bank of Long Island for $100. Three special awards were presented to students for their outstanding individual initiative in starting projects that have made a tremendous impact on their communities and beyond as follows:

Kyle Orent: Kyle took the phrase “when you are handed lemons, make lemonade” very seriously. Kyle is a third grader who started a lemonade stand outside his home in Northport to raise money for Canine Companions for Independence. In addition to his home base, Kyle has taken his stand to local pet stores, grocery stores and local soccer games raising over $25,000 for the organization. He is now in the process of writing to celebrities to have them autograph dog collars which can be auctioned off for the charity. Kyle received a special award from State Bank of $1,000.

Jen Zwilling: Jen is a youth ambassador for the National Tourette Syndrome Association. The 11th grader from Jericho HS travels around the country and teaches her peers about the disorder. Jen was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when she was six years old. Her goal is to give people basic knowledge about the disorder and teach others to accept people’s differences. Jen received a special award from State Bank of Long Island for $500.

Raymond Mohler: Fifth grader Ray Mohler remembered what is was like to be in the hospital over the holidays and launched a charity, Little St. Nick Foundation. Through the foundation, Ray has collected over $100,000 in gifts that are given to patients of all ages at South Nassau Community Hospital during the holiday season. Ray received a special award from State Bank of $250.

"State Bank of Long Island is a proud sponsor of the Students Making a Difference program," said Tom O’Brien, President and CEO of State Bank of Long Island. "We have been pleased to partner with News 12 Long Island to recognize the tremendous acts of selflessness that these students are displaying in their communities. All of the children recognized this school year are stellar role models for their generation and a true inspiration to both adults and children. We are proud of them all and wish them success in their future endeavors."

Jackie Lukas-News 12 Long Island, Kyle Orent, Jen Zwilling, Ray Mohler, Michael Locorriere – Senior Vice President-State Bank of Long Island.

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