NYS Presents Gail Smith Awards

By Jeff White

Newtown Youth Services presented the tenth annual Gail Smith Awards Monday night to those in the community who have worked to improve the quality of life for the youth of the town. One adult, one youth, and one Newtown business are honored each year.

This year, the adult award went to Robert Tendler, the youth award went to high school senior Erin Lewis, and the business award went to The Newtown Bee.

Introducing Mr Tendler during the ceremonies, Richard and Claudia Coopersmith praised him for his dedication to and participation numerous events around town that benefit youth. “He never says no to a chance to help,” she said.

Mr Tendler has been an active participant in Newtown Youth Services’ programs throughout the year, including coordinating and emceeing NYS’ main fundraiser for the year, last month’s Musical Extravaganza dinner dance and auction. In addition, his work with local Scout troops, fundraising for Head O’ Meadow School, and his support for his synagogue, Adeth Israel, has set Mr Tendler apart in his efforts to give his time to help others.

“I feel it is my responsibility to do as much as I can,” Mr Tendler said during a brief speech as he accepted his award.

Doing as much as she can has earned Erin Lewis a reputation of dedication and selfless service to others among her peers and teachers.

  During her years of involvement with Newtown Youth Services, Erin has become, as NYS’ Debbie Richardson describes her, “the voice of Newtown youth.” Throughout her four years at the high school, Erin has served on NYS’ Youth Advisory Board, which she has co-chaired for the past two years. She is credited with helping bolster membership on the board from a dismal eight students to a vibrant group of 40.

Through her involvement on the Youth Advisory Board, Erin has helped to spearhead blood drives, adopt-a-family programs, Halloween parties for kids, and fundraisers for an annual scholarship given to high school seniors. In her spare time, she is an accomplished cellist, a tutor for middle school students, and the high school’s DARE Role Model.

“As an educator I have been amazed at the level of commitment she devoted to her schoolwork while still having time to participate in her activities,” high school guidance counselor Jack Quinlan explained during Monday night’s ceremony. “Erin epitomizes what Gail Smith stood for. Having Erin Lewis as a recipient would have put a smile on her face.”

The Newtown Bee was honored for what Newtown Youth Services board member Jim Shpunt referred to as its dedication toward covering and promoting all that is best about the youth of Newtown. Citing The Bee’s education pages as an example, Mr Shpunt said the stories the newspapers tells about youth on a weekly basis is one of its greatest services to the town.

Accepting the award on behalf of The Newtown Bee, Managing Editor Curtiss Clark said that few stories inspire the paper has much as those about the accomplishments of Newtown’s young people.

Gail Smith, a teacher, volunteer and parent, was a founder of Newtown Youth Services and spent much of her time in town advocating for many youth programs and initiatives.

Newtown Youth Services’ staff also took the opportunity Monday night to recognize other adults and youths who have given their time to the organization over the past year, including departing members from the high school’s Youth Advisory Board, the middle school’s Youth Advisory Board, and general NYS volunteers.

Active NYS members Jessica Clark, Katie Hayes, Jessica Tendler, Nina Alfred, Katy Berg, Jim Loring, Matt Manto, Addie Sandler, Carol Smiley, Cayenne Stahl and Brian Shepard were on hand to receive tokens of gratitude from staff members.