South Ozone Park students to ‘Walk for Autism’

Francine Davis, an educator at the Virgil I. Grissom Middle School in South Ozone Park, recently partnered with the school’s parent coordinator, Claudia Bethea, to organize The Grissom Angels Team. The primary purpose in forming the team is to advocate for engaging in community service learning on a grand scale.
The Grissom Angels will “Walk for Autism” on June 22 at the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan. Administration, staff, parents and students will join the ranks in an effort to help raise awareness for Autism, as well as gather sponsors to generate funds for research.
The seeds for this project were planted through the combined efforts of the Penny Harvest Roundtable Scholarship Committee at Grissom, supervised by Davis. The student members, representing sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade, decided that they wished to not only donate their allotted funds to a cause but they expressed a need to engage in action.
Davis is no newcomer to community service learning. Her students were just recognized by the 401st Battalion in Iraq for their support. Since September, students have been sending cards, letters and several packages of donated supplies to the brave men and women serving overseas.
On April 23, students will donate funds to the Trump Pavilion at Jamaica Hospital for the seniors who reside there. Grissom students will partner with seniors to complete arts and crafts projects as well as provide entertainment for the day.
In recognition of her dedication, Davis, whose teaching career spans four decades, was hailed as a New York State Teacher of the Year last year by the Teacher’s Insurance Company. She was also awarded the Diocese of Brooklyn Thomas E. Noonan Excellence in Education Award for her efforts to stamp out hate and prejudice through education. And in 1999, she was awarded the Spirit of Anne Frank Award. In addition to teaching, Davis sits on the Advisory Board of Catholic Schools in the Richmond Hill / South Ozone Park community and has been invited to become part of the Parish Council at St. Anthony of Padua Church, where she is an active member. At Virgil I. Grissom, Davis serves as chairwoman of the School Leadership Team. As an associate member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Davis is also involved in a number of outreach programs.
Bethea is no stranger to Virgil I. Grissom Middle School or the South Ozone Park Community where she has resided for many years. She and her spouse, with six children of their own, opened their home and their hearts to almost two dozen needy kids. She donates endless hours to a variety of causes and is affiliated with several organizations that cater to individuals with disabilities, such as Acorn and the New Life Church. She assists people with independent living arrangements, arranges community bus outings, and is always a doorbell away from offering assistance to the community at large. She is an outspoken activist in her community who rallies parents to action for their children.
Both Davis and Bethea would like to extend an invitation to all businesses in the South Ozone Park community as well as the surrounding areas to join in supporting the Walk for Autism. If community members cannot physically march, they are urged to consider sponsoring the students or making a donation.
Contact Bethea or Davis at 718-843-2260 Ext. 1150 to learn more.