Kids are the Stars at Stony Brook’s Annual Kids Health & Safety Expo
Kids play starring roles in “Mission: Nutrition” skit to highlight healthy dietary choices
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| Brianna Cea, 15, of East Setauket, second from right with notepad, investigates the mysterious disappearance of healthy nutritional snacks in favor of junk food, assisted by fellow private investigator Morgan Pius, 13, of Setauket, second from left, during a performance of “Mission: Nutrition! The Case of the Hidden Star” at the 7th annual Kids Health & Safety Expo on July 11 at Flowerfield in Saint James. At left is Amanda Dagnelli, 12, of Stony Brook, and at right is Brandon Cea, 13, of East Setauket. Not pictured is Emma Sobocinski, 15, of Port Jefferson. |
SAINT JAMES, N.Y., July 17, 2012 – The kids were the stars of the show at the 7th annual Kids Health & Safety Expo sponsored by Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital on July 11 at Flowerfield – literally.
This year’s expo showcased children performing a skit called “Mission: Nutrition! The Case of the Hidden Star” which was designed to entertain and educate kids about the importance of making healthy diet choices to avoid health problems such as obesity and diabetes. The skit was written and directed by Lauren Kaushansky, Instructor in the Professional Education Program, Department of History, at Stony Brook University. It featured performances by five children from the Youth Corps of Ward Melville Heritage Organization, who answered questions and distributed healthy snacks to children in their audience after their performance.
Cast members in the production were:
• Emma Sobocinski, age 15, of Port Jefferson, a rising 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, who played “Sugar.” She is the daughter of Craig and Nancy Sobocinski.
• Brandon Cea, age 13, of East Setauket, a rising 8th grader at R.C. Murphy Junior High School, who played “Berry.” He is the son of Brian and Vena Cea.
• Brianna Cea, age 15, of East Setauket, a rising 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, who played “Brooke.” She is the daughter of Brian and Vena Cea.
• Morgan Pius, age 13, of Setauket, a rising 8th grader at Stony Brook School, who played “Sam.” She is the daughter of Don and Lisa Pius.
• Amanda Dagnelli, age 12, of Stony Brook, a rising 7th grader at R.C. Murphy Junior High School, who played “Olive.” She is the daughter of Ray and Barbara Dagnelli.
The Kids Expo is held each year by Stony Brook Children’s to focus on health issues facing Long Island’s next generation. The free event provides an opportunity for Long Island children, their parents and other caregivers to learn in a fun-filled atmosphere about how to stay healthy and safe during the summer and throughout the year.
This year’s expo featured the following activities and events:
• Nurses and nutritionists from Stony Brook Children’s offered free health screenings and exhibits, including medication safety, home fire hazards, internet security and information about tick-borne disease.
• Residents from the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine provided educational information about oral health.
• Staff from Stony Brook Children’s Pediatric Emergency Department provided child safety seat information.
• Representatives from New York Life provided free identification kits for children.
Free giveaways, including stickers, sunscreen, promotional items and raffle prizes, were also provided at the event, which was organized by the Community Relations Department at Stony Brook University Hospital under the auspices of Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital in conjunction with Safe Kids Suffolk County.
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About Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital:
Established in June 2010, Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital. More than 7,000 children and adolescents are admitted each year. Stony Brook Children’s operates 100 pediatric beds and has more than 100 full-time pediatric physicians and surgeons and over 200 voluntary pediatric faculty members in 30 different specialties. The hospital is the Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center for our area and has a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is home to the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center and also offers a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, Pediatric Cardiology Program, Pediatric HIV and AIDS Center, Cystic Fibrosis Center and the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookchildrens.org.
© Stony Brook University 2012
