Manetuck recently celebrated its 15th year working with the New York Marine Rescue Center, previously known as the Riverhead Foundation, to help raise funds to treat injured marine mammals. As a school community, Manetuck helped to save and rehabilitate 14 seals during that time. This year, Manetuck was given the opportunity to help a cold, stunned loggerhead sea turtle. On Aug. 12, students, family, Manetuck Principal Vanessa Williams and faculty members gathered at Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays to release the rehabilitated sea turtle back into the water.
Manetuck’s Community Service Club, run by Kerri Ierardi and Susan Marullo, brought awareness to students regarding local marine life. As a culminating activity, the two teachers set up a Seal of Fortune game board in the lobby and read questions daily during morning announcements based on facts posted throughout the building. As each grade level answered correctly, letters were revealed, to the students’ delight.
Manetuck also held its annual Walk for Marine Mammals, in which students volunteered their time to obtain sponsors and walked the bus circle before school. Led by top three fundraisers Cooper Terraciano, Lily Tuffariello and Joseph Vitello, the students helped to raise over $2,500 for the cause.