Long Beach, NY - September 23, 2016 - Senator Todd Kaminsky presented Long Beach sophomore Sydney Brett with a proclamation for being named MAC Miss Atlantic States Junior Teen, and for her dedication to serving her neighbors and the South Shore community on Monday, September 19th.  Sydney will now compete for the title of National Miss American Coed Queen in November at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Over the last two years, Sydney has completed over 350 hours of community service and continues to volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House, Long Island Cares, and Toys for Tots to name a few.  She is the recipient of the bronze, silver, and gold Presidential Service Awards, and is active in organizations that seek to end bullying.  She recently sold pencils at Miss Colleen’s Dancentre in Rockville Centre, where she dances, to create a scholarship to allow a child to attend dance classes for one year free of charge.  She surpassed her goal, and raised enough money to provide the dance scholarship to two children.  One day, she hopes to start her own non-profit.

“Sydney represents the best of the South Shore,” said Senator Kaminsky.  “I am inspired by her drive to serve others at such a young age, and her perseverance to continually find innovative ways to create opportunity for the less fortunate.”

“Strength is not about what you can do, it’s about overcoming what you once thought you couldn’t,” said Sydney.  “It is a privilege to be recognized by Senator Kaminsky.”