Commack HS Hosts Tennis Autism Awareness Event

May 28, 2014 | By Gary Simeone
Photo credit: Gary Simeone

The weather may have been questionable, but the sun managed to stay out for the boy's tennis annual charity event at Commack High School on Tuesday afternoon to benefit Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA). The event, hosted by Commack High School Boy's and Girl's Tennis Coach Shane Helfner, had players and teachers teamed up in a double elimination, three-game pro set to help raise money for NSSA. At the end of the day, $1,152 was raised for NSSA by participants.

"It is a great way to include the school and our tennis program with the community," said Helfner, who helped start the event four years ago. "The whole event is for a good cause, and it also lets kids see what their teachers are like outside of the classroom."

Cory Seltman, a senior and captain of the Commack Boy's Varsity Tennis Team, said that he enjoys participating in the event because of the money it raises for the foundation and because it brings everyone together in the community.

"It is a good event for the community and it lets us students see what our teachers are like outside the classroom setting," said Seltman. "It is just a fun atmosphere all around."

Cory teamed up with his high school guidance counselor and president of the USTA Eastern Metro Region, Jackie Clark.

Josh Zweig, who teams up with Cory in doubles, played with his World Language teacher, Margaret Krone for the event.

"I just think it is a good way to support the community. And like Cory said, it's a fun event," said Zweig.

There were 24 baskets with prizes donated from stores throughout the community and trophies were awarded to all players and teachers at the event.

“Everyone was a winner yesterday that participated,” said Helfner. “While we always strive for success on the court, our Commack program knows how important it is to give back to the community.”

The following is the list of winners on the day:

►First Place: Jackie Clark (Commack Guidance Counselor) & Cory Seltman
►Second Place: Derek Pope (Commack Math Teacher) & Gabe Green
►Third Place: Bobby Varughese (Commack Math Teacher) & Brandon Kramer
►Fourth Place: Joseph Pugh (Physical Education Teacher) & Jason Gerber

 

 

 


Gary Simeone
Writing Intern/Public Relations Associate

 Gary Simeone is writing intern/public relations associate for Long Island Tennis Magazine.

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