Northport High Raises $20K for LBHS Athletics Program

Story and Photos by Rosemary Leonetti.

When they read about the devastation left behind in Long Beach in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, student-athletes at Northport High School sprang into action.

The Northport students were especially touched to hear about how hard-hit the Long Beach High School athletic department was, losing five of its six gymnasiums, as well as equipment and uniforms for most of its athletic teams. Teaming up with former New York Ranger Adam Graves, the students were able to raise $20,000 that will be used to help the Long Beach High School spring sports teams on the road to recovery.

Northport High School student-athletes Tucker Ingraham, Sophie Hager, and Craig Ronan traveled to Long Beach to personally present the check to a group of Long Beach athletes at the Feb. 12 Long Beach Board of Education meeting.

“We all play on Northport High School sports teams and understand just how valuable that experience is for young people,” Tucker said. “We strongly believe in students helping students and know that it could have been Northport instead of Long Beach that needed to recover. We are all in this together and should help each other when adversity strikes.”

Tucker said he was lucky to be friends with Adam Graves, a stand-out New York Rangers player during the 1990s, who taught him so much about giving to others.

“Adam and my dad team up to raise money for needy organizations and families, and have supported numerous efforts by Northport High School students, including our desire to want to help you,” Tucker added.

Arnold Epstein, director of athletics, physical education and health for the Long Beach School District: “We are very grateful to the Northport student-athletes and Mr. Graves for all they have done for our student-athletes.”

“It is moments like this that have gotten us through the many dark days we have faced since the storm hit,” added Long Beach Superintendent of Schools David Weiss.