East Islip BOE Honors Champion Diver and Charity Founder

EAST ISLIP, NY — Two students were recently recognized by the East Islip School District for their unique talents.

East Islip High School junior Kelsey Kreuscher and East Islip Middle School sixth grader Ava McKiernan – were recognized at the district’s Dec. 13 meeting, a release said.

They were congratulated by the board and presented with certificates by Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel Paul Manzo.

Kelsey was honored for becoming the first county champion in the history of the Connetquot/East Islip girls diving program. She took first place at the Suffolk County Diving Championships on Nov. 2, and placed 14th at the New York State Diving Championships on Nov. 18 in Rochester, earning her All-State honors.

Ava was honored for her charitable work as the founder of Ava’s Wreaths of Joy, which for the last four years, has given back to Long Island veterans for the holidays. She sold more than 150 unique handmade wreaths, raising funds for her chosen charity this year, Bravo Foxtrot United Veterans, which helps local homeless veterans with permanent housing, food and jobs.