Highlighting Excellence in Catholic Education
Dear Editor: I am writing to share our academy’s recent experiences during Bishop Robert Brennan’s visit to St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy and to highlight the various events we held during Catholic Schools Week. The presence of Currents News and The Tablet during this time has been immensely valuable.
The coverage has not only showcased the activities and achievements of our academy but has also promoted the exceptional work being carried out by all our schools. This visibility serves as a powerful
marketing tool and enhances our public relations efforts, contributing positively to our enrollment figures.
Moreover, the efforts to present these events to a wider audience have truly helped us stand out within our respective communities. The attention we receive fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the values and educational opportunities we provide. Thank you for your continued support in bridging our community with our educational endeavors.
Debbie Hanna
Flushing
Editor’s note: Debbie Hanna is the principal of St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy in Flushing
Our Brief Neighbors
Dear Editor: They are gone, where to, we do not know, but hopefully to a safe place. For over a year, approximately 2,000 people from many different countries called Floyd Bennett Field home. We interacted with them on many occasions, and even though there was a language barrier, we will not forget their faces and smiles. They were so grateful for any small act of kindness, and our reward was to see the joy in the faces of the beautiful children.
We often take rides to Floyd Bennett Field to see the sunsets and meeting those people as they walked from the food center to the camp was an added bonus. I have two memories I will always treasure — one was giving a plastic Easter egg to a little boy and he was thrilled, but his joy turned to complete excitement when he opened the egg and found the Hershey Kisses inside. Another time we gave out Halloween bags and a boy said, “Thank you.” His mother told him to say, “Thank you, my friend.” As they walked away carrying their little bags, the whole group of children left chanting, “Thank you, my friend.”
I do hope the kindness shown to them by many people, and the local churches, will give them hope as they journey on. We will still go to see the sunsets, but it will not be the same. Their footsteps and the chatter of the children is now silent. I dream that one day some of the children will bring with them their gifts and talents to enhance this great city like so many immigrants have done before them. Their
presence awakened in us the words of Jesus: “As long as you do it to one of these, the least of my brethren, you do it to me.”
To all of you brave, courageous people, we will miss you and keep you in our prayers. May God be with you as you journey to your destination.
Anne DeBotun
Marine Park
Dear Editor: On behalf of The Bridge to Life, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of $5,000. Your unwavering support is truly making a difference in the lives of the moms, babies, and children who come to us in need.
Each year, we have the privilege of helping over 5,000 women and children across all five boroughs of New York City, offering them not only essential material assistance but also counseling and emotional support.
Your kindness helps provide the relief and hope that so many of these families desperately need. The tangible impact of your gift extends beyond just the resources we provide. It lifts spirits, restores faith, and reminds those we serve that they are not alone in their struggles.
We appreciate your continued partnership in our mission to support and uplift those who are most vulnerable. It is because of supporters like you that we are able to provide a sense of security and comfort to families in crisis, empowering them to build brighter futures.
Thank you for being a vital part of this important work. We are truly grateful for your generosity and compassion.
Francesca Yellico
College Point
Editor’s note: Francesca Yellico is executive director of The Bridge to Life.