Delco Council Recognizes Greek Independence Day, Hero Scholarship Fund, Cyberbullying Summit

MEDIA–The Delaware County County Council passed a resolution at their meeting on Tuesday to declare March 25 as Greek Independence Day in the county.

Vice Chairwoman Christine Fizzano stated the day was in recognition of the citizens of Greece in Delaware County "to acknowledge the contributions made by Greeks not only to our world but to also recognize the important role in community and civic affairs of Greek-Americans who live in Delware County."

On behalf of Greek Independence Day, Spiros E. Angelos, a public defender for Delaware County, accepted the recognition on behalf of George Horates, president of the Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley and Paul Kotrotsios, editor of the American Hellenic News.

"I humbly accept this proclamation on behalf of Mr. Horates and all the Greek Americans of the Delaware Valley. As you all know, the Greeks are known for democracy, we're known for the Olympics and for us who live in the eastern part of the United States, diners," joked Angelos. "It's really a pleasure."

Run For Heroes Raises $32,000 for Hero Scholarship Fund

On Oct. 11, 2010, hundreds came out to run and walk in Springfield for the Run for Heroes walk and run. Last year's race raised $32,000 in support for the Delaware County Hero Scholarship Fund.

A check of $32,000 was presented to Hero Scholarship Fund President Robert T. Lythgoe.

For the past 10 years, including this past year's race, the Run for Heroes has raised over $259,500 towards the county's hero scholarship fund. The event alone has been the largest donor to the fund.

"We've been very fortunate to have a team of members to put together this nice event and we've been fortunate with nice weather year after year after year," said former county Councilman John McFadden and committee member of Run for Heroes, Inc. "We're going to continue to raise good dollars and bring out more people for a fun event."

The Run for Heroes also presented its annual Emergency Services Trophy to Haverford Township's Brookline Fire Co. before the council and the public as the fastest police-fire-EMS team in the race. Representing the fire company, Haverford Fire Chief John Viola and Matt Kelly as well as team members Steve Hand, Steven Hand Jr., Matthew Hand and Kyle Hand accepted the trophy.

According to the county, the Hero Scholarship Fund of Delaware County, Inc., was founded in 1977 by the county council. The suggestion to "provide education scholarships for the children of police and firefighters who die in the line of duty" was made by two Upper Darby Township Councilmen John Clark and Rudolph D'Alesio.

This year's date for the Run for Heroes has been announced for Oct. 9.

County Council Partners With District Attorney to Ensure Safer Schools

At Tuesday's meeting, the council also announced their commitment to partner with District Attorney Michael Green in support of keeping Delaware County schools safe, especially in regards to cyberbullying.

Both Neumann University and (DCCC) were recognized by the council for the support in safe schools initiatives.

According to the council, DCCC's Public Safety Institute and the Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Task Force will conduct a school crisis team first responder training session on April 13, while Neumann University–in collaboration with the District Attorney's Office–will host a cyberbullying summit on April 12.

Dr. Ed Doyle of SEPA Task Force and county representative for safe schools initiatives stated that the county has put aside funding for these training sessions and have completed 20 risk assessments of schools in the county to date.

The summit is designed and geared for educators, school administrators, wellness professionals, law enforcement, high school student leaders, chaperones and anyone else interested in "curbing the current problems associated with cyberbullying."

Green explained the importance of the issue as the county has seen a few incidents over the past several years of cyberbullying.

"It really is an exploding issue," said Green about cyberbullying. "We've seen its effect here in Delaware County. Roughly six years ago in the county, we had two suicides–two 13-year-old girls, completely separate incidents in two different parts of the county. Both, once the investigation was completed, were found to be victims of cyberbullying or harassment online from middle school peers. This is a critically important problem."

The county presented a certificate to DCCC and Neumann University "in recognition for their meritorious service in advancing Delaware County's safe schools partnership through their development, support and delivery of education on safety and security to our school community."