FM Cereal Box Challenge Collects 1,864 Boxes for Feeding Westchester
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- Written by: Wendy MacMillan
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Fox Meadow Elementary School continued a beloved tradition of service and community spirit on May 29th, collecting 1,864 cereal boxes during its 3rd Annual Cereal Box Challenge in support of Feeding Westchester. The effort brings the school’s three-year total to an impressive 6,274 cereal boxes donated to help Westchester families facing food insecurity.
The highlight of the event came when Fox Meadow’s fifth-grade students transformed the donated cereal boxes into a giant domino chain that stretched throughout the school. Before the boxes were loaded onto a Feeding Westchester delivery truck, students and staff gathered to watch the dramatic domino run wind its way through hallways, stairwells, and across the outdoor blacktop.
“The Cereal Box Domino Run is one of the most highly anticipated community service events of the year,” said Fox Meadow Principal Melissa Feinberg. “It demonstrates to students that one small action has a domino effect in helping others and that together we can make a difference.”
The event also serves as a powerful expression of the Scarsdale School District’s motto, Non Sibi, “not for oneself alone”, bringing students, families, and staff together around a shared commitment to helping others.
The Cereal Box Challenge is part of Fox Meadow’s broader effort to address food insecurity in Westchester County, where one in three households is at risk of hunger, including children, seniors, and working families. Earlier this month, the Fox Meadow PTA hosted a Feeding Westchester community service table at the school fair, where students assembled 162 breakfast kits for local food pantries.
In preparation for the challenge, students brainstormed creative ways to earn cereal boxes through acts of kindness and helpfulness at home. 
Suggestions included helping with household chores, practicing musical instruments, completing homework early, watering plants, and showing kindness to siblings and relatives.
“The Cereal Box Challenge had a positive impact in our home, sparking extra acts of kindness and giving my kids a sense of excitement about helping others with their contributions,” said Fox Meadow parent Allison Waase.
This year’s challenge was also closely aligned with the school’s academic theme of curiosity and inquiry. Rather than focusing solely on collecting donations, educators encouraged students to explore the underlying causes of hunger and food insecurity in their community.
“The domino run was really just the tip of the iceberg,” organizer Nicole Reichenbach Sahni shared, emphasizing that students spent time learning about hunger in Westchester and examining how young people can contribute to meaningful solutions.
A key factor in the challenge’s success has been the enthusiastic support of school leaders and staff, including administrators, teachers,the librarian, physical education coaches, and School Nurse Cliona Cronin. Widely recognized by students and families as the driving force behind the initiative, Cronin has helped cultivate a school-wide culture of service.
“Nurse Cronin is so kind and passionate about the Cereal Box Challenge,” said third-grader Greyson Withrow. “She cares so much about helping people who don’t have enough money to have a good breakfast like us.”
Fox Meadow parent Christine Chang praised Cronin’s leadership, saying, “Over the past three years, we have been so fortunate to have Nurse Cronin champion this tremendous school-wide effort, bringing together parents, students, and staff and inspiring us all to be part of this collaborative effort.”
The challenge was also notably student-driven. Following a visit from Feeding Westchester representative Danielle Vasquez in March, fifth-grade students researched food insecurity in Westchester and created presentations to educate younger students. They visited classrooms throughout the school, helping peers understand the realities of hunger and the importance of community service.
Fifth-grade teacher Alethea Lynch guided the student-centered learning process, encouraging students to first understand community needs before exploring solutions.
“How do we help students develop their ability to identify and understand an issue before we get to ‘the how’ of addressing it?” Lynch asked.
The Fox Meadow PTA has further supported these efforts by funding the purchase of additional library books focused on food insecurity and community service.
“As a parent, I am deeply inspired by the level of thought, dedication, effort, and commitment that Fox Meadow School has demonstrated to teach students about this important topic,” said Fox Meadow parent and alumna Nicole Reichenbach Sahni. “Not only is the Cereal Box Challenge one of the most beloved events of the school year, but more importantly it provides a shared experience for students to think about others, demonstrating that small, collective acts of community service can together help make a difference. These are vital life lessons that I want my daughter to learn, and I’m grateful to Fox Meadow for leading the way.”
The Fox Meadow PTA also expressed its deep appreciation to the members of the Fox Meadow Compact Committee, whose leadership was instrumental in planning and organizing this year’s Cereal Box Challenge: Melissa Feinberg, Lori Leibowitz, Cliona Cronin, Alethea Lynch, and Christine Stuetz. Their collaborative efforts helped ensure that the event remained focused not only on collecting donations, but also on fostering empathy, learning, and community engagement among students.
As the final cereal boxes tumbled through the school and onto the delivery truck, the challenge once again demonstrated that when a community works together, even small acts can create a powerful chain reaction of positive change.
To learn more about the work of Feeding Westchester, visit the organization's website.
Individuals, community organizations, and local businesses interested in supporting Fox Meadow’s food insecurity initiatives or exploring partnership opportunities for next year’s Cereal Box Challenge are encouraged to contact the Fox Meadow PTA.
An Enchanted Evening Celebrates Community and Support for SFCS
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- Written by: Sharon Higgins
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James Genova.On the evening of Thursday, May 14, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service held its annual benefit gala, An Enchanted Evening, at Scarsdale Golf Club. It was a beautiful night with perfect spring weather, as many friends and supporters of SFCS gathered to celebrate and support the meaningful work the organization continues to provide throughout the community. This year’s gala focused not only on fundraising, but also on recognizing the organization’s remarkable 106-year history and the vital support it brings to children, students, parents, and seniors throughout Scarsdale and Edgemont.
Guests enjoyed the gala’s traditional silent auction during cocktail hour, browsing a wide array of offerings while catching up with friends and neighbors. Vicki Tse, President of Scarsdale Friends of Music and Art, also organized several student musical performances throughout the hour. Attendees were especially delighted by the talented student violinists, whose performances added an elegant touch to the event.
As dinner began, returning emcee Lori Rothman welcomed guests and helped set a warm and lively tone for the evening. SFCS Co-Presidents Amy Nadasdi and Wendy Gendel thanked the committee members who worked tirelessly to organize the gala and also acknowledged the many local government officials and representatives from the Scarsdale Public Schools who attended in support of SFCS. Rothman later entertained the crowd with a comedic routine before introducing James Genova, LCSW and Executive Director of SFCS.
Genova reflected on the organization’s history and shared his own personal journey with SFCS, which began more than 25 years ago before becoming Executive Director in 2014. He spoke about the broad reach of SFCS throughout the Scarsdale community, touching the lives of children, parents, and seniors alike. He encouraged attendees to reflect on how SFCS may have impacted them personally, a child, or a parent over the years, and expressed his hope that every interaction with the organization had been both supportive and professional. Genova also emphasized that the organization’s success throughout the decades would not have been possible without the continued support of the community, noting that SFCS is the last nonprofit agency of its kind remaining in Westchester County.
Gala Committee Co-Chairs Kathy Stahler and Rona Montner offered closing remarks before dessert, thanking guests for their generosity and continued support of SFCS.
Amy Nadasdi, Co-President of SFCS, had this to say to sum up the evening,“This year's Gala reminded us of something we already knew but are always grateful to see. That this community shows up for one another. What struck me most wasn't just the generosity, but the unified spirit in the room. People came together around something that reflects the best of who we are, and our shared values. SFCS is truly grateful for that support, and for the recognition that the work we do truly matters to this community.”
The evening highlighted the meaningful impact SFCS continues to have throughout the community and the strong support that allows the organization to continue its important work for families across Scarsdale and Edgemont.
Maroon and White Signing Day
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- Written by: Jeremy Gorrin
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Stella Van Arsdale signing to Rochester.On Wednesday, May 6th, Scarsdale High School held their athlete signing day, for students who are going to continue playing sports for their college. The event started off with acknowledging the athletes who won a section championship during the winter season. Then shifted over to the athletes playing in college. Alex Israel signed to Colgate for rowing. Henry Lamberg signed to St. John’s for baseball. Stella Van Arsdale signed to Rochester for soccer. Emily Baron signed to Mount Saint Mary College for volleyball. Rachel Rakower signed to Caltech for track. Oliver Bandsma signed with the Coast Guard for rowing. Koji Hirata signed to the University of Toronto for baseball. Kieran Lee signed to Williams College for swim and dive.
Alex Israel signing to Colgate.
Henry Lamberg signing to St. John’s.
Emily Baron signing to Mount Saint Mary College.
Rachel Rakower signing to Caltech.
Oliver Bandsma signing with the Coast Guard.
Koji Hirata signing to the University of Toronto.
Kieran Lee signing to Williams College.
Scarsdale Teens in the News
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Board Members of PeaceofCakes: Sofia Polak, Tali Blumenfeld and Tomi Stainfeld, present a $1,550 donation check to Brody Cohen Spencer Perla, Tyler Mitchell and Ryan Goldfarb from the Children’s Hope Chest.Teens are making a difference around town - take a look at their news below:
Student Nonprofit PeaceofCakes Donates $1,550 and Cakes to Support Children in Need
Board Members of PeaceofCakes: Sofia Polak, Tali Blumenfeld and Tomi Stainfeld, present a $1,550 donation check to Brody Cohen Spencer Perla, Tyler Mitchell and Ryan Goldfarb from the Children’s Hope Chest.
A group of Scarsdale students is making a meaningful impact in the community—one cake at a time.
PeaceofCakes.org , a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by Scarsdale students, recently donated $1,550 to Children’s Hope Chest and provided 40 homemade cakes to the JCCA Pleasantville Cottage School, bringing both financial support and moments of joy to children facing hardship.
Founded and operated entirely by local students, PeaceofCakes bakes and sells cakes with 100% of proceeds benefiting children-focused charities locally and globally. Over the past five years, the organization has baked more than 1,300 cakes and donated over $30,000 to causes supporting children’s wellbeing.
The donation to Children’s Hope Chest will help fund programs for vulnerable children, while the cakes delivered to JCCA Pleasantville Cottage School offered a simple but meaningful gesture of kindness to students in residential care.
On May 5, the group donated 40 cakes to the Scarsdale High School’s Teacher appreciation luncheon.
With their guiding belief that 'bringing peace to others should be a piece of cake,' these Scarsdale students continue to demonstrate the power of youth-led service and community collaboration.
www.peaceofcakes.org, Tomi Stainfeld - [email protected]
Meals on Wheels Scarsdale Junior Board Hosts Inaugural “Spring in Your Step” 5K, Raising Over $12,000 for Homebound 
Seniors
Despite less-than-ideal weather, the Meals on Wheels Scarsdale Junior Board celebrated a triumphant milestone this past month, on April 19th, with the inaugural Spring in Your Step 5K, drawing determined runners and raising over $12,000 for the local Meals on Wheels chapter.
The race, organized by the Junior Board under the leadership of Ethan Grossberg and Becca Friedland, had originally been planned as a Frosty 5K in December, but a snowstorm forced a postponement. Undeterred, the team rescheduled for spring, and while the weather once again refused to fully cooperate, runners persevered in impressive fashion. The strong turnout for a first-year race in challenging conditions speaks volumes about the community’s commitment to this cause.
“We are thrilled to share that together we have raised over $12,000 for the Meals on Wheels chapter here in Scarsdale,” said Junior Board co-leaders Grossberg and Friedland. “The support from our community has been truly overwhelming.”
The funds raised will directly support Meals on Wheels Scarsdale, a local chapter of the national nonprofit dedicated to delivering nutritious meals to homebound seniors who are unable to prepare food for themselves. The Scarsdale chapter serves vulnerable members of the local community, ensuring they receive not only nourishment but also a daily connection to their neighbors.
This event marks another proud achievement for what is believed to be the first-ever junior board established for a Meals on Wheels chapter. Since its founding, the Junior Board has been a driving force of creativity and energy — creating birthday bags for meal recipients, delivering holiday-themed treats, and now organizing this landmark 5K race.
“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors,” the Junior Board noted. “Their generosity made this event, and this mission, possible.”
The Meals on Wheels Scarsdale Junior Board looks forward to continuing to grow its programming and community impact in the year ahead.
For more information about Meals on Wheels Scarsdale or the Junior Board, please contact Ethan Grossberg ([email protected]) or Becca Friedland ([email protected]).
Panther Power Washing, LLC
Noah Nevitt, Connor Jordan, David Rosen
When spring arrives in Scarsdale and Edgemont, homeowners looking to clean up their properties are increasingly calling Panther Power Washing, a business started by Edgemont High School sophomore Noah Nevitt and named for the school’s Panther mascot. Nevitt launched the company three years ago, taking on small jobs in his neighborhood and gradually expanding. Today, he services homes across lower Westchester, handling walkways, patios, siding, and windows, and also offers snow removal for Edgemont residents during the winter months.
Nevitt runs the business while balancing school and playing lacrosse, often scheduling jobs after classes and on weekends. As demand has grown, so has his operation: he employs teams of local students, typically 3 to 5 for power washing jobs, with snow removal crews expanding to as many as 15 during the winter season. He has also spent significant time researching proper cleaning solutions and techniques to ensure professional-quality results across different surfaces, and uses digital tools to plan and manage jobs efficiently.
In addition to customer referrals, he promotes the business through lawn signs, door hangers, local sponsorships, and Facebook, along with a professional website that has helped streamline customer inquiries and scheduling—efforts that have made the Panther name increasingly visible throughout the community. Recommendations from satisfied customers remain his most reliable source of new business, reflecting a focus on consistent, high-quality service. As the season gets underway, Panther Power Washing continues to grow as a well-established local business built on initiative, organization, and strong community demand.
Students Design Solutions with Compassion at SHS Pitch Night
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Like Scarsdale High School’s very own Shark Tank but with a meaningful civic twist, students, teachers, parents, and friends gathered in the SHS auditorium on the evening of Wednesday, April 22, to hear 18 product and concept pitches. More than 55 STEM students from four sections of the AT Entrepreneurship class presented their ideas, each rooted not only in innovation and sound business practices, but also in a shared mission, to support individuals with disabilities and improve the broader community.
The students’ creativity and dedication were evident throughout the evening, both in their polished, enthusiastic presentations and in the interactive demonstrations that followed in the lobby. It was an impressive, successful, and genuinely uplifting event. SHS STEAM teachers Brian McDonald and Tabitha Sasso kicked off the evening and set the stage for the presentations.
McDonald had this to say about the night: “In our ninth year of doing this, I’m still surprised by what students bring to the table. They only have five minutes to share a years-long project, that could easily take another year or two to fully realize. Even so, I always enjoy seeing just how much progress they make in such a short time.
The goal of the course, and the broader program, is to give students the confidence, agency, and empathy to go into the world and focus on things that genuinely make a difference in people’s lives, especially for those who need it most. Once our students graduate, they go on to a wide range of careers. But our hope is that this experience exposes them to perspectives and problems they may not have otherwise encountered.
This course means many different things for individual students. For some, we hope when they see someone with disabilities, they no longer see someone as “other,” but as a person who is more like them, but has to adapt creatively to a world that isn't inclusively designed for them. Some students enter the program thinking engineering isn’t for them, or unsure if they’re capable of improving someone else’s life. Through hard work and creativity, they begin to realize that meaningful change starts small, and scales. And that they can be part of it.
And other students leave with the confidence to put something into the world even if it isn’t perfect. They come to understand that the process isn’t about perfection, but about learning from each iteration and using those insights to make something better.
Since the program began, students have created over 100 projects aimed at improving our community. More importantly, we hope we’ve played a small part in helping each student become a more empathetic and confident changemaker.”
The range of ideas presented was both wide-ranging and thoughtful. Projects included tools to support elementary reading comprehension (Engravinator), adaptive wheelchair designs for flag football (Flag Fit), and devices for retrieving balls and playing lawn games (Reach Play and Parity Play). Students also developed ergonomic grips for those with hand arthritis (TrueGrip), leadership certification programs for student-athletes (Aspace), and sustainable fashion initiatives focused on upcycling and recycling (Cut & Construct and Circulate). Other concepts included smart recycling systems (Walden) and a database connecting local volunteer opportunities with community members (Case Connect).|
Several projects focused on supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, including story preparation tools (StoryPrep) and resources 
to help autistic athletes build relationships with coaches (Vof). Additional innovations included accessible video game controllers for those with motor disabilities (Gridless), educational board games that promote cultural awareness (Culture Connect), assistive furniture designed to help users transition from sitting to standing (Fit to Stand), modular play surfaces made from recycled materials (Terra Tiles), and adaptive cooking tools for the visually impaired (Clear Cook).
SHS senior Ian Rozens of the Walden team had this to say about the evening: “The class AT entrepreneurship allowed us to learn about engineering, business and presentational skills that enabled us to produce a product we are very proud of. Mr. McDonald and Mrs. Sasso were extremely encouraging and they provided us with insight that has prepared us for future entrepreneurial endeavors.”
The evening concluded with demonstrations in the lobby, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the students and explore their work in greater detail. It was a truly feel-good night that highlighted not only ingenuity and technical skill, but also empathy and purpose.
