Westport Teen Wins National “Call for Kindness” Competition
Press ReleaseLocal Connecticut young leader, Leigh Foran, 16, wins national Call For Kindness competition sponsored by Riley’s Way Foundation that encourages young leaders to apply for grants that fund initiatives that strengthen their communities and inspire kindness.
Foran is the founder of Inclusion and Diversity through Education and Awareness (IDEA), an organization whose goal is to spread awareness surrounding empathy, respect, and inclusion through early education. By leading various lessons at local libraries and preschools, IDEA teaches children to appreciate the differences across their peers and communities through activities such as read-alouds and hands-on arts and crafts sessions.
The national Call For Kindness Competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to invest in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. To date, Riley’s Way has awarded hundreds of inspiring young leaders across the country with up to $3,000 each to fund their projects. In addition to funding, Foran will join the Riley’s Way Fellowship, consisting of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning.
“The 2023 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today,” shared Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way. “They have answered the call to make a difference in their communities, adding to a national movement for kindness.”
“Being part of the Call For Kindness makes me feel empowered to make a difference in my community,” said Foran, one of forty nationally-recognized 2023 Call For Kindness Winners. “I am so thankful for the support from the Foundation, which will continue to guide me in achieving my goal of creating a more inclusive world.”
"The Call For Kindness inspires and draws in exceptionally gifted young leaders who are driven by a deep passion to make the world a better place," expressed Ian Sandler, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Riley's Way. "These remarkable young leaders hold the key to tackling the world's most pressing issues, and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality. Whether they are just beginning to explore their ideas or have advanced plans, we strive to support and encourage them to imagine a better future and work tirelessly toward it."
About IDEA
IDEA creates unique lesson plans that each take a multi-step approach to thoroughly explain important topics regarding belonging and kindness with students, such as respect, empathy, and inclusion at various CT preschools and libraries. By having a multi-step, engaging teaching strategy guided by the help of professional educators, IDEA hopes to effectively and appropriately reinforce these inclusive ideas with the children they work with. After receiving encouraging feedback from parents, teachers, and community members, IDEA is confident that they will create a deep sense of belonging and acceptance both today and far into the future.
About Riley’s Way Foundation
Riley’s Way is a national nonprofit that invests in and supports the next generation of kind leaders. They provide young people with the programs, support, and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers, including seed funding for social impact projects, coaching and skill-building, networking opportunities, and a peer community. Riley’s Way supports young leaders around the country to envision change and achieve it. Mackenzie and Ian Sandler established Riley's Way in 2014 in memory of their daughter Riley Hannah Sandler, whose kindness and friendship undergird its work. Three flagship programs implement the mission: The Call For Kindness, Riley’s Way Councils, and an annual Youth Leadership Retreat. Since its founding, Riley’s Way has supported more than 3,000 young leaders across the US with over $2M in grants, workshops, and programming.
Staples Boys Tennis Shuts Out St. Joe's Of Trumbull 7-0
The Wreckers won each match on Thursday May 4th, however three scheduled matches were unable to proceed as St. Joe's did not have their full roster able to compete resulting in defaults wins for Staples.
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Singles Results:
Junior Hayden Frey defeated Billy Kibbey in straight sets. Junior Jared Even, Sophomore Sheryas Gorre and Senior Henry Matar were each awarded the win by default.
Doubles results:
1. Senior Captain Alex Guadarrama & Sophomore Lucas Ceballos-Cala defeated St. Joe's Guenther Bartolone & Mark Berlen 6-0, 6-0.
2. Sophomores Mattie Guadarrama & Clint Graham defeated Daniel Lee & Dylan Lehnring, 6-2, 6-0.
3. Freshman Patrick Tesoriero & Senior Captain Holden Dalzell defeated Dominic Bray & Tommy Rizzitelli, 6-3, 6-0.
The Wreckers will face the Senators of Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk on Monday May 8th at 4:00PM
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Staples Girls Lacrosse Defeated By New Canaan
The Staples Girls Lacrosse team (4-7 overall) faced powerhouse New Canaan (11-1 overall) at home Thursday and although fighting hard the entire game, were defeated 15-2. The Rams held the Wreckers scoreless in the first half and found the net time after time. Both Wreckers goals came in the second half.
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Said Coach Nicole Gerosa, "With a tough schedule this year in a season where we have faced a lot of unforeseen circumstances losing key players to injuries we are so proud of the team for keeping a positive outlook and continuing to cheer each other on. We have younger players that have stepped up and are filling major roles on the field especially on defense." Among those younger players are Sophomore Katie Fitzgerald, #17 and Anna Petrosino, #5 each of whom have started all season.
Coach Gersoa added, "There is still a lot of work to do and we’re setting some high goals for the team for the remaining regular season games. Senior Captain Jaden Mello and Junior Keira Best, committed to play collegiately at Davidson, have continued to be consistent threats on offense contributing at least one point in every game this season. There is still a lot of work to do and we’re setting some high goals for the team for the remaining regular season games."
Staples scorers were Jaden Mello and Keira Best with 1 goal each. Goalkeeprs Clair Sandhaus had 4 saves with Athina Sarmiento adding 6 saves.
The Wreckers face the Spartans of Amity Regional High School, Woodbridge at home on Saturday, May 6th at home.
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Westport Business Gathering Celebrates Cinco De Mayo
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The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held their annual Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours on Thursday, hosted by Brown Harris Stevens Real Estate. The event provided the opportunity for some great conversation and networking at the end of the work day.
Over 40 members of the business community enjoyed delicious Mexican food including empanadas, tacos and of course guacamole, salsa and chips sourced from numerous local venues as well as wine, Sangria and Margaritas at the Chamber of Commerce's monthly early evening networking event.
Over 40 members of the business community enjoyed delicious Mexican food including empanadas, tacos and of course guacamole, salsa and chips sourced from numerous local venues as well as wine, Sangria and Margaritas at the Chamber of Commerce's monthly early evening networking event.
Next month the event will be held on the patio of La Plage at the Longshore with it's beautiful views of Long Island Sound in collaboration with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday June 21st.
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