She has been working independently and through Lakeside with Hewlett House for more than 15 years. Hewlett House is to support cancer patients at every stage of treatment. This community resource center provides services without charge.
“They have always been the recipient of the service efforts of Lakeside students,” she explained.
Shelby Watstein, one of Becchina’s former Lakeside students who is now a junior involved in student government at John F. Kennedy High School, continues service she was exposed to at Lakeside.
“Service is something you can teach your kids,” Becchina said. “You can start is in school, but you can always carry it on and continues it in your life.”
Watstein’s mother, Loretta Watstein, became involved at the parent volunteer level for student council for Shelby’s older sister. Shelby would tag along, soaking up the civic mindedness at an early age.
“From that point on I always wanted to be involved,” Shelby Watstein said. “When I got to the Lakeside, I was so excited to actually be a part of the student council without having to sit behind the students being silent. Student council has made me realize how the smallest gestures can help a large group of people and spread happiness. Whether it was planting at the Hewlett House or dropping off food at the community cupboard, I always enjoyed the experience knowing that I had a positive impact on someone else's life.”
When she got to high school, right away she knew she wanted to have a role in student government and get involved.
“Thanks to Ms. Becchina, I was taught to value opportunities to help others and I brought these values I've learned from lakeside with me to Kennedy High School as seen in our student government,” Watstein said.
Their relationship continues as Watstein and her mother assist Becchina with Hewlett House needs.
“We sat for hours organizing wigs and sorting them into piles,” Shelby Watstein explained. “While we did this, we discussed important matters in the community that need to be addressed. This was the exact reason I came to Ms. Becchina. When she says she'll make something happen, she always does.”
This is an additional community service effort for Shelby who is also working on a civic project for her leadership II class connecting young women in need with menstrual products.
Hewlett House executive director, Geri Barish, recently sought to have Becchina and Watstein on her KJOY Long Island radio show, Staying Healthy on Long Island, which focuses on health and wellness. They connected about service projects that Becchina organizes for students who are in student council.
The radio show aired on March 24.
Date Added: 3/28/2024