Superintendent’s Spotlight: Celia Greco

At Warwick Valley, we are always so proud to hear about our students who get involved with advocacy and awareness campaigns in their free time, because it illustrates their wonderful sense of community and helpfulness. Sixth grade student Celia Greco has been active in events for both the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes for years and brings that spirit of kindness and care to her school activities as well.  

“Celia does a lot of work to help raise breast cancer awareness,” said Middle School Principal Georgianna Diopoulos. “She’s been a huge help in getting the annual walk underway at Woodbury Common.”

Celia’s mom works with the American Cancer society, and Celia has been chipping in with her time and talents to help stage the Make Strides Against Breast Cancer at Woodbury Common. The event is held annually, typically near the beginning of the school year. This year’s walk, held in October, was converted to a drive-thru event to ensure that Covid-19-related safety precautions could be maintained.

“I helped my mom do this ginormous thing to display the names of people affected by breast cancer,” said Celia, who worked on the visual elements and placements of the tributes. Organizers got creative for the socially distanced 2020 event, which included cars clad in pink, with passengers and drivers in survivor t-shirts; sponsors set up tent displays and there was also a pinwheel tribute garden. Celia said she is always inspired to help with the event by all the people there who have fought to overcome breast cancer.

Celia’s mom is also involved with the March of Dimes, so guess what – Celia has thrown her support into that organization’s wonderful cause as well!

“I help my mom out with her other work at the March of Dimes, too, by going to events with her and helping with sales,” said Celia, about working at the merch table for charity.

In school, Celia enjoys science and social studies, and says she has enjoyed parts of the switch to hybrid learning. 

“I would say that I’m doing pretty well with [distance learning],” she said, explaining that she particularly likes the added element of more independent learning. “I guess being at my own house while I’m in school kind of helps me more.”

Celia also brings her advocacy and support for others to school, where last year she was part of the Bowling Club, a program that pairs students with other students who have special needs for socializing, playing, and more. The group even started its own collection during its bowling outings to benefit the American Cancer Society.  

“We went to the bowling alley and had fun just hanging out,” said Celia. “We also collected money and all of that went to the American Cancer Society.”

Principal Diopoulos feels it really speaks to who Celia is, that even when she is already supporting and connecting with her fellow students in something like the Bowling Club, she’s still always mindful of ways she can work in something additional to benefit even more people.

Keep up the great work Celia, in school and in the community!