Thousands of Long Island students recently put aside their school colors to “go gold” and “think pink” to help fight cancer.

The color choices were part of events held to educate children about cancer and raise money for research during Childhood Cancer and Breast Cancer awareness months in September and October, respectively.

One of the biggest events was a “Kick for Cancer” fundraiser at Hauppauge High School in which the boy’s and girl’s soccer teams wore pink uniforms during their games. It was held in honor of Courtney Tomkin, a student who died of brain cancer in 2008, and raised about $44,000 this year through donations, raffles and clothing sales — bringing the total amount collected through the years to more than $1 million, according to organizers.

“We’re absolutely thrilled by the incredible success of this year’s Kicks for Cancer event,” said Hauppauge principal Joseph Wieckhorst, who credited event co-founder Jessica Kulesa and her team. “Their hard work, energy and passion make this more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of hope and community coming together for an important cause.”

In Ronkonkoma, Cherokee Street Elementary School raised $835 through a “Pink It Forward” fundraiser in which participants joined a schoolwide walk for $10. The funds covered gift cards and care packages for women battling breast cancer at Stony Brook Cancer Center and New York Cancer & Blood Specialists.

In New Hyde Park, pink-wearing pupils at Memorial High School stood in the shape of a ribbon in the school’s courtyard to symbolize unity against breast cancer. They raised $1,500 through a “Pink Mile” walk to benefit organizations including the American Cancer Society.

In North Bellmore, students wore gold-colored shirts, shorts and even shoelaces to show support for pediatric cancer patients on “Go Gold Day,” which has been a district tradition for over a decade.

“Wearing gold is just a symbol that we’re all . . . in this fight together against childhood cancer,” Amanda Licci, principal of Newbridge Road Elementary School in North Bellmore, said in a statement.

CENTER MORICHES

New principal

Nicole Fernandez has been named principal of Clayton Huey Elementary School in the Center Moriches school district.

Fernandez, who replaced Dennis Ricci, was previously principal of Southampton Elementary School since 2022. She has also been an English as a new language chairwoman for the Rocky Point school district.

“As a leader, I prioritize supporting my teachers and collaborating with them to address the diverse needs of our students,” Fernandez said.

EAST ISLIP

New principal

Anthony Montemarano has been named principal of East Islip High School.

He replaced Mark Bernard, who retired.

Montemarano was principal of East Islip Middle School this past year.

Before that, he was assistant principal at West Babylon Junior High School and a dean, English teacher, wrestling coach and theater director at Valley Stream North High School.

“I’m excited to continue this journey at the high school, working alongside our incredible teachers and support staff to help every student reach their fullest potential,” Montemarano said in a statement.

OLD WESTBURY

New principal

Ronald J. Martorelli has been appointed principal of Holy Child Academy, an independent private Catholic school in Old Westbury.

Martorelli was previously head of school at Higher Ground Education in Manhattan for two years, and before that was principal and head of school for six years at the Schools of St. Dominic in Oyster Bay.

“I believe Holy Child Academy is ready to explode into the light as a premier school on Long Island,” Martorelli said. “I’m excited to share my experience and love of education to help make that happen.”

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.