Calhoun Senior Wins Cristin Bambino Award

Gillian Cohen, a senior at Sanford H. Calhoun High School, was the recipient of the prestigious New York School Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR)/Cristin Bambino Memorial Scholarship, totaling $5,000.

The scholarship is granted to a college-bound special education student to award him or her for overcoming special challenges while completing high school and obtaining entrance to a college. During her high school career, Cohen played with Calhoun’s junior varsity girl’s tennis team and is currently the varsity team manager. Additionally, she’s an active member of the school’s World of Difference and Key Clubs.

As a liver transplant recipient, Cohen also works closely with the Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) and the New York State Organ Donor Network. She has spoken at various events reflecting on her experience as a transplant recipient and is also very active with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, recently securing an internship.

On May 2, Cohen threw out the first pitch at the New York Mets game as a representative for Make-A-Wish. Cohen plans on attending Long Island University – C.W. Post in the fall. Cohen was recognized by the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Board of Education at its June 3 meeting.

Caption: Calhoun High School senior Gillian Cohen, center, was congratulated at the Board of Education meeting by (from l. to r.), Calhoun’s assistant principals Eric Gomez and Ken Zisel, Principal Nicole Hollings and Assistant Principal Neil Testa. Photo courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.