Riverhead students recognized for community efforts

Five Riverhead High School students were honored for their community service efforts by the Jewish Community Relations Council. The recognition came during the Week of Remembrance, which is a time to reflect on the Holocaust leading into Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). 

The students were honored at a Yom HaShoa ceremony at Suffolk Community College this week for their participation in organizations like student government, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Community Awareness Program and other clubs, as well as anti-bias programs through their high school.

The students honored were Amanda Baron, Jeremy Bornstein, Samantha Dunn, Mieko Vail and Katie McKillop.

The students were among students from nine high schools who received certificates of recognition by the Jewish Community Relations Council in partnership with the Suffolk County’s State Senate Delegation.

Werner Reich, a Holocaust survivor, gave a speech at the ceremony, giving his personal account of the atrocities he witnessed. His message was that “indifference kills.”

“All that it takes for evil to go unchecked in the world is for good people to do nothing,” he said.

Mr. Reich has given a presentation at Riverhead High School in the past.