This summer, Green Vale alumna Olivia Lichota '24 combined her love of tennis with a commitment to giving back. The 16-year-old created and led Olivia's Youth Tennis Clinic, a four-week program that introduced tennis to children ages 8–12 from the Boys & Girls Club of Glen Cove, many of whom had never picked up a racket before.
Olivia organized every aspect of the program herself, coordinating lessons, transportation, equipment, and volunteers. She set an initial fundraising goal of $5,000, but the outpouring of support from family, friends, and local businesses carried the total to an remarkable $20,000. The clinic earned a feature on News 12 Long Island, bringing wider attention to the program and the young athletes it served.
Beyond the sport itself, Olivia designed the clinic to give participants something lasting. "I just feel like I always enjoy playing it, and I want to teach young children how to play too," she said. Through tennis fundamentals, sportsmanship, and teamwork, she created an experience she hopes will stay with these children long after the summer ends.
We are so proud of Olivia for taking an idea and turning it into something with real impact on her community. Her initiative, generosity, and leadership reflect the values we work to instill every day at Green Vale.