Bethpage-Tribune_2000-07-14

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YOUR OFFICIAL HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
ESMBMMHBEJI
VOL. 34 NO. 27 July 14-20,2000 40 CENTS
Bethpage s Own Grade A Athlete Rachel Schneiderman
To be the absolute best that one
can be. To achieve and reach one's
full potential. Most of us only dream
of achieving what we are fully
capable. Only a select few are able
to reach the level of self-actualization
(to achieve what one is
ultimately capable of achieving). It
takes self-discipline, commitment,
dedication, self-sacrifice, focus and a
detail for time-management in order
to achieve a level of excellence that
many of us only strive for.
The honors achieved by Rachel
Schneiderman are diverse, but are
completely reflective of the qualities
that she possesses. The titles listed
above: Scholar-Athlete, National
Champion and All-American, are
ultimate honors which Rachel earned
during her four years as a student
and athlete at Bethpage High School.
At Bethpage H.S., Rachel reached
her full potential. Most importantly,
she did so despite experiencing an
extremely severe neck injury which
occurred in 8th grade and has
caused pain and discomfort ever
since. Amazingly, Rachel was able to
earn these distinctions while
involving herself in a schedule and
daily routine which was full of
activities and responsibilities that
started from the time that she woke
up, until the early morning hours
when she typically calls it a night.
Before identifying Rachel's
specific accomplishments, it may be
interesting to reflect upon what
makes up this wonderful person.
Anyone who has had the privilege to
meet and get to know Rachel have to
agree that she is the most kind,
caring and giving person. She is
more than willing to extend herself to
others. One of her greatest qualities
is that she puts the needs of others
ahead of her own. This may not seem
possible when one looks at someone
who has had so much personal
success. However, in Rachel's case,
her successes may be largely based
upon her willingness to help others,
as well as help them succeed. Rachel
genuinely cares about others. She
enjoys helping others improve, as
well as making them feel better. At
Marine Physical Fitness or
Gymnastics practice, Rachel can
always be seen spotting or helping
her teammates improve their
technique. She is always there to
offer encouragement and to
congratulate a teammate for their
efforts. She is never negative; but
always looks to comment on
something positive within a person.
Although her physical skills and
Congratulations Bethpage Broncos
Congratulations to the Bethpage Broncos. Winners of the Fall 1999
Long Island Junior Soccer League Sportsmanship award! The team is
pictured here celebrating that award at a special game of the Long
Island Lady Riders. Left to right, Coach John DeMartinis, Jaclyn
Wetherell, Jenna Osman, Jessica (Mel) Eisenbarth, Meghan Horan,
Mary DeMartinis, Lauren Cornett, Angela Portigiano, Laura Watson,
Stephanie Walters, Kristen Rich, Nicole Dubensky. Not pictured, Coach
Rose Portigiano, Jennifer Bernhardt, Kerrylynn Daly, Kyle Jansky and
Natalia Sicilia. Congratulations!
Rachel Schneiderman with Mr. Gerald Tucci (husband of Eva) after
receiving the Eva Tucci Memorial Scholar Athlete Award.
scores were important, the Marine
Physical Fitness (1999 Women's
National Champions) nor Gymnastic
(1999, 2000 Nassau County
Champions) teams would have
achieved their levels of success
without Rachel's positive influence.
Rachel's helping and caring attitude
also extend into other areas as she is
very actively involved in a number of
school and community endeavors.
Rachel has been a key member of
the Bethpage H.S. Athletes Helping
Athletes Student Leadership
program; a number of Student Civic
Association activities and
fundraising programs; S.P.E.C. -
Students Putting an End to Cancer;
volunteered at the school's annual
Blood Drives; is actively involved in
many National Honor Society
programs; has participated in a
number of fundraisers for the Marty
Lyons Foundation; Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer; the
Leukemia Society of America; and
the Lupus Foundation; and is a tutor
for middle school students.
Additionally, Rachel volunteers at
both Plainview and Plaza Physical
Therapy facilities, has worked in a
doctor's office, babysits and is a
dancer and teaching assistant at
Claudia Perri's School of Dance.
Where does she find the time?
When does she sleep? How can she
fit it all in? Obviously, Rachel makes
the most of her time. She finds time
to help others, as well as achieve
personal goals. It is through self-discipline
that Rachel has been able
to achieve, as well as get involved in
so much. Being kind, friendly, caring
and extremely positive also
contribute to Rachel's success.
Rachel is the epitome of a
student-athlete. She has had so
many successes and
accomplishments in her academic
and athletic pursuits. Reflective of
the person that she is, she has
accepted each one of her many
awards humbly. The word "I" is
never used when she speaks. Rachel
will always recognize the
accomplishments of others. It is
always what the team, her
teammates or fellow students
accomplish that is discussed by
Rachel. To a large degree, the
foundation of her success is based
upon her desire to help those around
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