Northport, NY, June 10, 2011 – MSG Varsity and Cablevision’s Power to Learn, along with New York State Senator Carl Marcellino and New York State Senator John Flanagan recognized students at Northport High School as the Suffolk County Charity Champions for their fundraising efforts and participation in Charity Champions, a program developed by Power to Learn that promotes volunteerism and encourages area high schools to raise funds for a charity.  The school was presented with $5,000 to be donated to A Midwinter Night’s Dream and $1,000 for the furtherance of the students’ charitable activities.  A Midwinter Night’s Dream is an annual fundraiser held by the Northport High School Chapter of the National Honor Society that supports ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research.

 At the event Senator Marcellino discussed the importance of community service and Cablevision Vice President of Government Affairs Dan Ahouse spoke about the Charity Champions program.  Principal Irene McLaughlin introduced Charity Champions advisor Don Strasser, who discussed the fundraising effort and how it has impacted students individually and as a school.  A student representative from A Midwinter Night’s Dream was presented with the $5,000 check and spoke to the students about the mission of the charity.

 “I am enormously proud to represent such fine young people,” expressed Senator Marcellino.  “These students recognized the importance of contributing to the fight against ALS.  Through their hard work organizing and promoting A Midwinter Night’s Dream, they raised much-needed funds for research and services.  The additional $5,000 donation from Cablevision is a generous, welcome addition to Northport High School’s impressive humanitarian effort.”

 Principal McLaughlin added, “The Midwinter Night’s Dream fundraiser is an annual event that was an enormous success this year as a direct result of our exceptional students.  These dedicated young men and women took the time to learn about ALS and stepped up to the plate to raise funds for continued research.  I know I speak for everyone at Northport High School when I thank Cablevision for recognizing their efforts by awarding them this year’s Suffolk County Charity Champions Grand Prize.”