Huntington Excels in Patrick Hannon Youth Tournament
It’s probably not the first activity that comes to mind when you think about what kids might want to get involved with in their free time. Yet several dozen Huntington School District students have embraced bridge as one of their favorite pastimes and are willing to work hard to master the skills it demands.
The youngsters are currently enrolled in grades 3-8 at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School, Woodhull Intermediate School and J. Taylor Finley Middle School. They studied bridge after school for 22 weeks as part of a program that debuted in the district five years ago.
Jack Abrams Principal Rae Montesano, Woodhull Principal Traci Roethel and Finley Principal John Amato welcomed the bridge clubs to their schools. The clubs operate under the direction of Long Island Bridge 4 Youth lead by Carol Mathews and Jack Sage.
Dr. Reza Khatib, Garden City resident and retired surgeon provides major financial support for the program along with Long Island Bridge Clubs.
The Huntington bridge players shined in this year’s Patrick Hannon Youth Tournament held at the Sagamore Bridge Studio on a recent Sunday. Mr. Hannon was a Woodhull sixth grader who passed away suddenly in July 2011 while at a Boy Scouts camp in Rhode Island.
Thirty-eight youngsters from the Huntington and Oceanside bridge clubs vied in the competition. Peter Ciccone, Joseph Dammers, Aaron Chin and Matthew Colavecchio captured first place honors; Kaitlyn Sage, Natalie Flores, Emily Kimoto and Chloe Schiman earned second place; Tal Lypnik, Luke Strianese, Nick Loscalzo and Anthony Fycile garnered third place recognition.
The Huntington youngsters participating in the program said it was a fun experience that challenged them mentally. Most of them have told their friends all about the program and next year more new faces are expected.