In celebration of fifth-grade student Jacob Rubbo being named a TD Bank “Take a Duck to Class” essay contest, Tamarac Elementary School was visited by the Long Island Ducks for a special program. 

As part of the contest, students across Long Island were challenged to write an essay about a hero in their community. Jacob chose to write about a close family friend and President of the Spectrum of Dreams Foundation Tim Szlosek. After his son Shane was diagnosed with autism, Mr. Szlosek started the nonprofit organization to help children with special needs acquire the financial resources necessary to enhance their quality of life. Jacob’s essay earned the attention of the contest judges, as he chose to recognize an unconventional type of hometown hero. 

“Tim made the Spectrum of Dreams Foundation because he wants to help kids like Shane get the resources they need,” Jacob wrote in his essay. “He did something very nice and helpful for kids with autism. I am so happy to know such an amazing person.”

To begin the assembly, all Tamarac students filled the gymnasium to celebrate Jacob’s accomplishment. Following praise from Principal Michael Saidens, Jacob read his essay aloud to the audience of his peers before being presented with a Visa gift card by TD Bank Vice President of U.S. Field Marketing Strategy Eric Fishon and TD Bank Lake Ronkonkoma store manager Ed Pesapane. 

Concluding the visit, Jacob and his classmates enjoyed a game of Wiffle ball with Ducks mascot QuackerJack and the Ducks Street Team.