Westhampton Beach Student Ariana DeMattei Honored for Community Service

Westhampton Beach High School sophomore Ariana DeMattei recently received a proclamation for her outstanding efforts for the improvement of her community from Suffolk County legislator Bridgett Fleming.

The proclamation announced that May 10, 2016 would be regarded as Ariana DeMattei Day in honor of her years of effort to the East End community. The proclamation will complement her Leaders of Tomorrow Award she received in 2015.

Since the launching of her organization, Backpacks for Fellow Students (BFFS), in 2012 DeMattei has provided over 750 students in need from Center Moriches, East Quogue and Westhampton Beach school districts with backpacks filled with school supplies. Her aim was “to create level a playing field no matter what the socioeconomic status is, and maximize a child’s opportunity for educational success,” with the ultimate goal of creating a community of kids dedicated to their education as well as contributing members of their community.

For the past two years, DeMattei has funded BFFS by organizing a 5K called Race for a Reason. She will be holding the third annual Race for a Reason this September. In the past, DeMattei has also organized numerous other fundraisers including a polar plunge at Rogers Beach.

Her communal efforts don’t stop there. Along with BFFS, DeMattei is also one of the four co-founders of “The Love-Me Project,” which teaches girls healthy eating and self-esteem, and provides community service to Maureen’s Haven and Long Island Teen Institute (LITI).

For more information or to register for Race for a Reason, visit Backpacks for Fellow Students on Facebook and visit the event page on itsyourrace.com.