Bayport, Sayville come together to support victims of domestic violence
Two communities that experienced unthinkable tragedy united Friday night at Sayville’s varsity football field. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and these passionate fans came together under Friday Night’s bright lights to watch two defending Long Island champions play in a battle of unbeatens. They also honored the memories of Gabby Petito of Bayport and Emily Finn of Sayville, two victims of domestic violence.
The administrations seized the opportunity to support the families of Petito and Finn, recognize the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, support those in need and reaffirm a shared commitment to ending domestic and intimate partner violence. The scene was quite humbling.
A touching ceremony and moment of silence preceded a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by Sayville junior Colin Barry, who is also an outstanding contributor for the Sayville cross country League VI champions. After Barry finished to a rousing ovation, the two communities standing together as one and committed to awareness, compassion and making a difference watched a football game.
"We have two communities that have united around unfathomable tragedies," Sayville's director of athletics Dr. Ryan Cox said. "We've come together to show our continued support for the families and the foundations they've created to bring awaremness to domestic violence. We've had the families from both the Petito Foundation and the Finn Foundation have spoken with our student body; they provided a very powerful message."
People are encouraged to visit the Emily Finn Foundation at emilyfinnfoundation.org and Gabby Petito Foundation at gabbypetitofoundation.org.
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
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