Chabad of Mineola Awards LI Teens
“Hero Intern” Daniel Hernandez and “Chocolate Thunder Darryl Dawkins” joined Rabbi Perl at Mineola Chabad’s 18th Annual Good Deeds Awards for LI Teenagers
Daniel Hernández, the intern who is credited for helping save Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ life, was the special guest at the Chabad of Mineola’s 18th Annual VIP Prestigious Good Deed Awards for LI Teenagers.
Daniel Hernandez joined a distinguished group of business, government, judiciary and community leaders who come together each year to celebrate the achievements of distinguished Long Island Teenagers, recipients of Good Deed Awards.
The Awards were presented by Judges, the District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Sheriff of the Nassau County Correctional Center Mike Sposato, leading attorney Robert McDonnel, Former County Executive Thomas Gulotta and Chairman of the LI Power Authority Richard Kessel.
The teenagers are from all walks of life, honored for proving what happens when young people are generous with their time and creativity, to improve the world around us for good.
During the presentations Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Director of Chabad of Mineola and NCFJE on Long Island said, “Don’t we all wish we could do courageous things? Wouldn’t we all like to make a difference in our neighborhood, our community, & in our world? Imagine how good it will feel to know that our actions are making a difference in people’s lives. Well, we can see that it is possible, once we meet the students this evening, who are showing us the way.
These young people are not famous Americans who lived long ago. They’re kids of the 21 century. They are battling the same problems we are. Because they aren’t famous, rich or powerful, we can believe that anyone can do courageous and wonderful things. Even us.
All your good deeds show us, that you are complementing your flame of youth, with a sense of focus and urgency, you have the power to move the world, and you have, by your shining examples, you have changed the world for good.”
The 500 plus audience were also thrilled by the special surprise appearance of Darryl Dawkins the professional basketball player, most noted for his days with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, with his signature bulldozing to the basket and smashing the glass backboard to smithereens. He was nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder” for his powerful dunks.
