Forest Hills Kiwanis Honors Three

The Forest Hills Kiwanis Club wrapped up their first full year of service in 2010 by honoring three community members on Thursday for their service to children. The ceremony, held at the , drew most of the club's 38 members as wells as friends and family.

Each of the three honorees seemed humbled at the prospect of being recognized for work they do simply because they enjoy it.

"It's a little embarrassing," said Stanley Swiatocha, one of the honorees.

Swiatocha started his career in corporate fitness, managing employee fitness programs at Phillip Morris and leading the company's blood drives and more.

But on nights and weekends, Swiatocha volunteered as a coach and referee in Forest Hills' youth basketball leagues. Now retired, he is still the Parish Athletic Representative at

Steven Schott, vice president of the New York Junior Tennis League, a non-profit organization that provides tennis instruction and activity to children in New York City, said he was "excited and honored" by the recognition from Kiwanis. Schott was a coach for 20 years in the South Bronx.

"When I first started working, I thought I would be the one be doing the teaching, but I learned so much from their spirit and the compassion these kids had," said Schott. "I grew up on the Upper East Side, so coming from a much different background than these kids, it was an inspiration to be of help in their lives."

Linda Dougherty was recognized for her career in education. Educated in her youth at Our Lady of Mercy School, she is now the principal.

Dougherty said it was mostly coincidence that she ended up leading the school she had graduated from, but enjoyed the ability to give back to the community she grew up in.

"When it happens, it's so nice when you run into one of your old students, and they're successful, and did well for themselves. It's nice when they say you helped them," said Dougherty.

Swiatocha and Schott also found satisfaction when they ran into former students. Schott maintains old relationships through the tennis league's alumni association, and when Swiatocha sees old faces around Forest Hills he said they instantly remember funny stories, like the time "we put nine people in my mustang so we could get to a game instead of forfeit."

Walter Sanchez, president of the Forest Hills Kiwanis Club, seemed happy with the work he and the rest of the members had accomplished in their first year since its founding. The club organized a flea market that raised over $1,000 for the American Legion, which went to Forest Hills' Memorial Day Parade.

Co-founder J.P. Di Troia said the club was in the midst of plans for another flea market, a pancake breakfast in March, and other fundraisers to help the Forest Hills community. "We're really excited. We're a young club and still growing," said Di Troia.