Making an Impact

Smithtown High School West DECA students Molly Hyland, Ava Devlin, and Finley VanDeusen are making an impact through their DECA Community Awareness Project by partnering with the Paige Keely Foundation to raise awareness of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs).

As part of their campaign, the students have organized a series of “Pink for Paige” games throughout the fall athletic season, bringing students, athletes, families, and community members together to learn more about Brain AVM awareness and support the foundation’s mission.

The campaign kicked off at the Smithtown West Girls Volleyball game on Monday, September 28th, where Ava, Molly, and Finley spoke to attendees about the project and the Paige Keely Foundation. Gina Keely, Paige’s mother, also addressed the crowd, sharing Paige’s story and explaining the mission and importance of the foundation’s work. The girls distributed information, accepted donations, and offered pink bows and bracelets to help spread awareness throughout the school community.

The Pink for Paige campaign will continue with upcoming field hockey and football games, giving the students additional opportunities to educate the Smithtown community while supporting a meaningful local cause.

Through this project, Molly, Ava, and Finley are putting DECA’s emphasis on leadership, community engagement, and real-world learning into action, using their voices and skills to make a difference beyond the classroom. 

DECA is a co-curricular club in the CTE Department, open to all students in the School of Business.  HSW DECA Advisor, Stefanie Torlentino.  CTE Director, Christine LoFrese