Legislator Lafazan Supports Syosset High School Rising Junior
Samantha Smith’s ‘Share A Moment’ Graduation Gown Initiative
(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) is teaming up with Syosset High School rising junior Samantha Smith in her growing campaign to ensure that students whose families are struggling with financial difficulties can enjoy the full graduation experience.
Through her “Share a Moment” initiative, Smith is gathering gently used graduation gowns, which are then washed and matched to students in need based on their school colors. The idea came to her following her middle school graduation and her shock at how many of her classmates simply threw away the gowns, which can cost up to $100.
“I knew there were - and are - a lot of people all over the country who don’t have enough money to buy food or clothes, never mind a graduation gown. I started thinking of ways I could do something to help,” she said. “The need to take action became clear to me earlier this year as I witnessed the 2020 graduates’ concerns about not being able to attend a graduation ceremony. I forged that now more than ever, people would be able to empathize with those who aren’t able to attend their graduation ceremony any year simply because they can’t afford the gown.”
Legislator Lafazan, who is collaborating with Smith to host a permanent collection site in the lobby of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in Mineola, joins Syosset community partners at the Andrew Howard Dry Cleaners, Philly Pretzel Factory and Minuteman Press of Syosset as supporters of Smith’s efforts. She also gathered gowns following Syosset High School’s recent commencement ceremony.
“The hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are being felt in aspects of life that many people may previously have taken for granted,” Legislator Lafazan said. “Time and again, community members like Samantha have risen to the occasion and led with a truly unifying and inspiring spirit of compassion. I am proud to support Samantha Smith and her ongoing efforts to make graduation dreams come true through the Share a Moment campaign.”
For additional information, updates and additional temporary Share A Moment community drop-off locations, follow Smith on Facebook and Instagram. Interested donors can also contact Rena Thomas at Legislator Lafazan’s office at 516-571-6218 or rthomas@nassaucountyny.gov with questions.
PHOTO CAPTION: Legislator Lafazan and Samantha Smith, of Syosset, outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building on July 28, 2020.
Photo credit: Office of Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan