Levittown Board Honors Division Sophomore

Division Avenue High School Principal Dr. Francesco Ianni described sophomore Bailey Gribben as a true inspiration, one who makes the district a just a little more special each day.

"Being a principal is a wonderful job, and despite all the negativity out there, I see we are in good hands," said Ianni. "Bailey is one of the best that Division has to offer. He is a fighter and a motivator. His determination and passion for school and for life should remind all of us that life is precious and every minute, every hug that we give to our kids, every high five we give to our students is a gift."

Gribben was honored in front of the Board of Education Wednesday evening for his will to fight, his generous heart and his drive to continue to learn in the wake of a three-year battle against NeuroFibromatosis. In those same three years, Gribben has raised more than $25,000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation with the help of family and friends.

"Over the last few years, he has been going through a lot of surgeries, removing a tumor from his spinal cord and a brain tumor," Ianni told the board. "What's impressive more than anything, every time I talk to his mom, she tells me Bailey wants to come back to school on the way home from the hospital which is something remarkable."

Ianni continued on to thank Gribben for the impact he's left on the hearts of the Levittown community.

"Bailey, I am honored to have you as my student," he said. "You are truly an inspiration to me, my family, our students and our school. We are so proud of you and we congratulate you."

Student representatives reminded the community of upcoming homecoming events at the district's high schools. Division will host their homecoming this Saturday, Sept. 15 while MacArthur will celebrate homecoming Saturday, Sept. 29 with a special carnival theme for the school's 50th anniversary.