Text size:

Smithtown senior helps raise cancer research funds

MICHAEL R. EBERT

December 7, 2008

Bernadette Schmidt, a senior at Smithtown High School West, has helped raise more than $50,000 over the last five years through MONARCH, a nonprofit founded by her family that benefits the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The organization was established in memory of Schmidt's aunt, Monica Williams, who died of ovarian cancer in 2003.

Schmidt said she helps coordinate the Walk for Ovarian Cancer, an annual fundraiser held at upstate Lake Luzerne.

"My aunt was a well-loved person, so we wanted to do something to help stop the disease in her name," said Schmidt, 17.

Schmidt is also one of 15,000 students nationwide selected to attend the upcoming inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. She was invited based on her participation in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine held last year at Georgetown University.

"The inauguration is history in the making; it's exciting to be a part of it," said Schmidt, who admitted she was a John McCain supporter. "I wish Obama the best. He's our leader now."

Schmidt is co-president of her school's National Honor Society and a member of the English, math and Spanish honor societies. She is also involved in the Key Club and has volunteered at Hole in the Wall Camps.

TO NOMINATE a student as a Way to Go! candidate, send information and photograph (photos cannot be returned and may be used in other publications affiliated with Newsday) to Michael Ebert, Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747 or e-mail michael.ebert@newsday.com. Photos sent via e-mail should be high-resolution images.