State Bank of Long Island and News 12 Long Island recently hosted a Students Making a Difference Awards Dinner at the Woodbury Country Club. The Awards Dinner honored the 70 students, including Jericho's Jen Zwilling, who were featured in the State Bank-sponsored Students Making a Difference program aired by News 12 Long Island every Thursday from September 2006-June 2007. This program recognized Long Island students making a difference in their schools or community through acts of volunteerism.

Each student received a Certificate of Recognition from State Bank and News 12 and a Certificate of Award from either Nassau or Suffolk County, depending on their place of residence. The students also received a check from State Bank of Long Island for $100. Three special awards were presented to students for their outstanding individual initiative in starting projects that have made a tremendous impact on their communities and beyond as follows:

Jen Zwilling, a junior at Jericho High School, is a youth ambassador for the National Tourette Syndrome Association. Zwilling travels around the country and teaches her peers about the disorder. She was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when she was 6 years old. Her goal is to give people basic knowledge about the disorder and teach others to accept people's differences. Zwilling received a special award from State Bank of $500.

"State Bank of Long Island is a proud sponsor of the Students Making a Difference program," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of State Bank of Long Island. "We have been pleased to partner with News 12 Long Island to recognize the tremendous acts of selflessness that these students are displaying in their communities. All of the children recognized this school year are stellar role models for their generation and a true inspiration to both adults and children. We are proud of them all and wish them success in their future endeavors."