When he entered Half Hollow Hills High School East, Drew Quinto focused on his classes, new teachers, mingling with old friends, meeting new acquaintances and playing lacrosse. He also remained close to Corey, his older brother.

During April Autism Awareness Month of his freshman year, Drew started a nonprofit foundation – Hills Vs. Autism – to celebrate Corey. Drew looks up to Corey, who has exceeded every stereotype associated with autism, graduating SUNY Purchase with a 4.0 grade average, living on his own in Manhattan and taking care of his personal needs. Drew’s commitment to “One Goal…One Dream” to help make a difference for kids and young adults with autism immediately was embraced by his parents along with the Half Hollow Hills Central School District in Dix Hills.

One of the most successful fund-raising initiatives for the foundation is the annual Hills Vs. Autism lacrosse tournament. As many as 20 Long Island teams participate each July in the day-long event that is capped by the alumni game between the Half Hollow Hills East Thunderbirds and the Half Hollow Hills West Colts. The program has raised more than half a million dollars.

As a Hills East alumnus, I was invited to participate in this year’s program and present a new lacrosse award* that will be part of the event each year. I am honored to again acknowledge outstanding student-athletes who are successful on the lacrosse field, in the classroom and in the community. I’m even more honored to have this award associated with the cause to help our young people who face the challenges of autism. Drew Quinto, another outstanding student-athlete from Hills, and his family have moved mountains in only a few years. Learn more about the accomplishments of Hills Vs. Autism at http://www.hillsvsautism.org/

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*During halftime of this year’s game between Thunderbirds and Colts alumni, the Colts Christian Mulé received the first annual James C. Metzger Mark of Excellence Alumni Cup. The award was established to honor outstanding accomplishments on and off the lacrosse field by a Half Hollow Hills East or Half Hollow Hills West player. Future awards will be presented at the alumni game as part of the Hills Vs. Autism program.

Mulé scored 105 points as a junior, 103 points as a senior and 331 for his high school career. He set district records that included breaking Metzger’s scoring record for points in a season (102 in 1977) that had stood for more than 40 years. Mulé has committed to play lacrosse at Duke University.

The New York Mets bullpen has been a huge problem, one of several, the last few seasons. No matter which pitcher is brought into a game, players, coaches, the manager and fans have held their collective breaths and crossed their fingers, hoping to salvage a win.

Daniel Zamora has spent some time in the Mets bullpen. He throws sliders. He continues to work to control his fastball. To start his major league career, he won several battles against the game’s premier players, including Bryce Harper.

Daniel grew up in California, but he didn’t have many opportunities to play for a top-tier college team. Drafted out of high school by Toronto in the 27th round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft, Daniel opted for college through a connection between his high school coach and then-Stony Brook University pitching coach Mike Marron.

While playing Division I ball at Stony Brook, Daniel was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 40th round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft. The organization didn’t move him through the system, so he was traded to the Mets. Within less than a year, he got the call to the big club, becoming the first Stony Brook Seawolf to play in Flushing.

Daniel’s trip to the big club was a proud moment for Stony Brook. The university’s director of athletics, Shawn Heilborn, said Daniel’s journey proves that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Over the last two seasons, Daniel has made a few round trips between the Syracuse Mets, the organization’s top minor league squad, and Queens. Right now, he is toeing the rubber in northern New York. Daniel hopes to receive another call-up soon, stating that the most exciting moment is when the phone rings and your name is called to join the big club.