Suffolk students take a stand against drugs, alcohol during Red Ribbon Week

Tens of thousands of Long Island students agreed to steer clear of drugs and alcohol during celebrations of Red Ribbon Week.

The campaign, sponsored by the nonprofit National Family Partnership, invited schools nationwide to host activities during a week in late October that encourage youngsters to lead healthy lifestyles and pledge to remain drug-free. It is considered the largest and oldest drug-awareness program in the United States.

In Islip, middle school students learned the power of perseverance during a visit from Rohan Murphy, an East Islip native who underwent a double leg amputation at the age of 4 because of a congenital deformity and went on to compete in wrestling and powerlifting competitions. Murphy demonstrated a few wrestling moves during his presentation and spoke of his life motto: "No excuses."

"We want our students to understand that their choices can determine if they are successful," said Islip Middle School social worker Shari Pennington.

In Lindenhurst, students throughout the school district were encouraged to dress according to a daily theme -- such as wearing neon colors to demonstrate a "bright future" or an athletic jersey to "team up against drugs," school officials said. In addition, children at the district's William Rall and Daniel Street elementary schools planted tulip bulbs as a reminder that they will blossom if they steer clear of drugs.

In Port Jefferson, middle school students created posters and anti-drug advertisements for display in the school's hallways. They also were visited by Suffolk County Police Officer George Lynagh, who spoke about the negative effects of alcohol on the brain and body.

In Copiague, the middle school's Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club tied red ribbons around trees to help encourage classmates to pledge to be healthy.

EAST SETAUKET: Broadway workshop

More than 60 students from P.J. Gelinas Junior High School were treated to an insider's perspective of Broadway during a dance workshop with Giuseppe Bausilio, a Swiss teen actor who has starred in shows such as "Newsies" and "Billy Elliot the Musical."

The workshop led students through a choreographed portion of a song from "Newsies." Bausilio also held a question-and-answer session with pupils and performed the Billy Elliot song "Electricity."

"He was so nice and open about his life, and it made it easier for us to connect with him," freshman Megan Kuhnel said.

SAYVILLE: Filling empty bowls

Sayville High School's Art Club raised more than $1,300 for the Greater Sayville Food Pantry with an "Empty Bowls" fundraiser, held in recognition of National Hunger Awareness Month in October.

The event included a soup and salad dinner for $10, with patrons receiving a ceramic bowl created by club members.

Local eateries donating food for the fundraiser included Crickets and Fritzcshe's Bakery, both in Sayville, which donated the salad and fresh bread, respectively. The seventh annual dinner was held in conjunction with the Sayville School Employees Charitable Foundation.

COUNTYWIDE: 45 Pies in 45 Days

Eastern Suffolk BOCES' Centereach Academic Center has launched a campaign titled "45 Pies in 45 Days," in which contributors can sponsor a pie for $10 for a local family in need this Thanksgiving.

The 45-day campaign, which kicked off Oct. 13, had resulted in donations of more than 200 pies to local shelters by the end of October.

The pies are made by five students -- Gabriella Cruz, Diana D'Amico, Pa' Shaun Martin, Robert Robinson and Matthew Verderosa -- who are working toward their Career Development and Occupational Studies Credential at Eastern Suffolk BOCES. Local businesses helped cover the costs of boxes and labels.

"It's easy as pie," D'Amico said. "Pies, smiles and love will be spread to those less fortunate this Thanksgiving."

ISLANDWIDE: JFK essay contest

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is accepting submissions for its 2015 Profile in Courage Essay Contest, which challenges students to describe an act of political courage by an elected official in the United States who served during or after 1956.

The contest, supported by John Hancock Financial, is open to high school students nationwide.

The first-place winner will get a $5,000 cash award and another $5,000 for a college savings plan, and the teacher who nominated the student will get a $500 grant for projects involving student leadership and civic engagement.

Both receive a trip to Boston to attend an awards ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.

The second-place winner will receive $1,000, and five finalists each will receive $500.

For more information, visit jfklibrary.org. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 5.