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Elementary school student Max is getting recognition in both the Elmont and Syosset communities for a meaningful photo that he took at a Syosset Fire Department event last year. Max, of Syosset, entered the picture in a contest as part of PTA Reflections, a voluntary program that encourages students across the country and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents. This year's theme in the competition was "Diversity Means..." Participation in the Reflections Program is open to any student through a local PTA/PTSA in good standing.
 
Because of Max's interest in photography, you can find the 8-year-old boy snapping photos from time to time. On October 9, 2011 , Max and his family attended the Syosset Fire Department's annual Fire Prevention Day, where Max took some pictures. One photo stood out from the bunch; so much so that he thought that it would be the perfect image to enter into the Photography category of the PTA Reflections contest. (See contest photo)
 
The photo, which Max entitled "Different People," features firefighters from the Elmont Fire Department, Max's sister Rhiane, as well as second grader Elia. As part of the entry process in the contest, Max was asked to explain in an artist statement how his work related to the theme. He submitted this statement:  "Diversity means different size, skin color, hair color, boy or girl, big or small. This picture has humans with different hair, different size (small or big), men and children, different age and different clothes." - Max
 
Max's mother Rena Damon said, "My son's photo made it into the Syosset District level, up one level from our elementary school. We are extremely proud of Max and all of the students who volunteered their time to participate in this contest."
 
"At such a young age, for Max to perceive diversity in this way is remarkable," said EFD's Michael Capoziello, who was Chief of Department at the time. "When this photo was taken, some of our members were on standby in Syosset in case of a fire or an emergency, while the Syosset firefighters were conducting their Fire Prevention Day activities. It is a common practice among Long Island fire departments to help each other with potential emergencies when manpower is involved in special events."
 
Earlier this year, Max along with other student recipients in the Syosset School District were recognized for their "Diversity Means..." projects and photos at a special ceremony, where they received awards certificates.