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Members of the Hampton Bays Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted a third annual Volunteer Day of Service on June 7. During the day, students volunteered at various locations throughout the community to help in meaningful ways.

The NJHS members undertook a variety of community activities and service projects at the Southampton Animal Shelter, the Ecological Culture Initiative, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, the Hampton Bays Public Library and Ponquogue Beach, where they completed a cleanup in partnership with HUGS Inc. The students also painted a mural for their school’s counseling office, wrote letters to senior citizens who receive Meals on Wheels, cultivated the school’s community garden, hosted a car wash fundraiser, made knot-tie fleece blankets for trauma victims, and organized and cleaned out a donation closet at their school. 

The event was sponsored by the Hampton Bays Stop and Shop and Gemelli Gelato, who donated food and supplies for a barbecue luncheon.

 

Photo caption: Hampton Bays Middle School students participated in a Volunteer Day of Service on June 7.

 

Photo courtesy of the Hampton Bays School District

A ribbon was officially cut on a new self-serve food pantry at Southampton Intermediate School.

            The pantry, located in front of the school, is open 24 hours and available to anyone in the community. It is fully stocked with nonperishable food items provided by Heart of the Hamptons.

            The food pantry was spearheaded by Principal Patrick Bentsen and social workers Sara Ciccariello and Lisseth Rodriguez, who saw a need for a pantry in the community. They worked with high school carpentry teacher Benny Diaz and his students to construct it.

            The pantry will be monitored throughout the school year and during the summer by students in Mike Darcy’s class.

 

Photo caption: A new food pantry at Southampton Intermediate School offers the community free food items 24/7.

 

Photo courtesy of the Southampton Union Free School District

 

On a bright spring day in May 2025, Sayville High School came alive with purpose, compassion, and community spirit during its second annual Community Connect Day, a full-day event dedicated to giving back, building relationships, and showcasing the power of collective service.

Originally piloted in fall 2023, this year’s event was moved to spring to avoid seasonal challenges and maximize participation, and the result was an inspiring day of action and heart.

28 Projects. 820 Students. One Unified Goal.

With 28 community service projects connecting students across grades 9-12–  Community Connect Day was an outstanding example of student-led leadership and meaningful engagement.

Under the guidance of building administration and a dedicated planning team of 7–8 teachers, students broke into groups to serve local organizations, including the Rotary Club, Town of Islip, VFW, Historical Society, and many more. Senior students served as project captains, leading their teams, and inspiring their peers to contribute.

From gardening, beach cleanups, and food pantry shopping, to library organizing, greenhouse support, and connecting with seniors, each group’s mission was grounded in kindness and community impact.

Testimonials from the Heart

The feedback from community partners, parents, and observers speaks volumes about the success and spirit of the day:

“I just want to say that it was a pleasure to observe the students at Center Street yesterday on Community Connect Day. They worked extremely hard, digging out tough weeds in the gardens around the parking lot and cleaning up garbage and litter. The students were very polite, did not fool around, and seemed to enjoy helping. Please pass this word along to other committee members and maybe the administration!”

 

“Your students brought so much energy, kindness, and fun into the building; it truly brightened our day. The residents had a fantastic time playing games and especially loved being interviewed. They felt seen, heard, and appreciated, and many are still talking about how wonderful the students were.”

 

“My daughter enjoyed today SO much more than she thought she would! I’m sure it was a ton of work organizing this, but it was so worth it.”

 

“The kids did a great job at the library and got so much done! Thank you!”

 

A Day of Purpose and Positivity

The day began with students viewing a motivational video and engaging in conversations around the importance of service. In one touching project, a group visited a senior center and played interactive games with residents, capturing a spirit of joy and empathy that continued long after the event ended.

At another site, students went grocery shopping at Stop & Shop to purchase items for a local food pantry using funds donated for the day, just one example of how they transformed intention into impact.

Connection, Reflection, and Growth

In addition to serving the community, a key goal of Community Connect Day was to foster connection among students and staff by mixing grade levels and encouraging collaboration across groups.

After returning to the high school in the afternoon, students enjoyed a meal together, played games, and reflected on their experiences. A final presentation, created by a student media team, showcased photos, videos, and highlights from the day, reminding everyone of just how much can be accomplished in a few short hours.

A Tradition of Impact

Thanks to the shared vision and collective efforts of the building planning team, the leadership from the school faculty, the mentorship from senior captains, and the unwavering support of Sayville’s community partners, Community Connect Day is now a cherished tradition that continues to grow in meaning and scope each year.

As one community member so perfectly put it:

“Kindness and compassion are what make you a person of greatness.”

And thanks to Community Connect Day, greatness is exactly what was on full display.

 

Massapequa High School’s Dog Rescue Club supported three local animal organizations with significant monetary donations. The group held a check presentation ceremony afterschool on June 11.

The donations totaled more than $4,000, with Last Hope Animal Rescue, Paws of War and Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue Inc. each receiving a check for $1,450. The Dog Rescue Club held several fundraisers throughout the year including monthly bake sales, online T-shirt sales and a walk-a-thon.

Representatives from each of the organizations were on hand to accept the donations along with students from the Dog Rescue Club and co-adviser Christina Sabbiondo. Paws of War pairs veterans with service dogs, while Last Hope Animal Rescue and Pawsitive Possibilities facilitate animal adoptions. Many students in the club volunteer with these organizations.

Providing financial support to nonprofit animal organizations is the Dog Rescue Club’s major initiative each year, but it also holds other events such as puppy yoga and a pet adoption fair. Club President Charlotte Focarazzo said it is rewarding to help these organizations, which rely on donations to fulfill their missions.

“Everyone in the club definitely contributed a lot and worked hard,” she said. “The organizations and shelters make the most of any donations that they get.”

 

Photo caption: Massapequa High School’s Dog Rescue Club presented donations to three nonprofit animal organizations on June 11.

 

Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District

 

Students at The Wheatley School, part of the East Williston Union Free School District, demonstrated compassion and leadership through a recent partnership with The Dr. Farhan Karim Foundation – an organization committed to expanding access to orthopedic care and supporting students pursuing careers in healthcare. Together, members of the school’s Medical Club and Student Senate raised funds to fully support a joint replacement surgery for a patient in South India.

As part of the school’s annual Showdown event, Medical Club students launched a “Coins vs. Bills” fundraising initiative, collecting nearly $2,200. With the support of Student Senate members, who contributed additional funds, the students raised a total of $2,500 to directly impact a person in need.

The inspiring effort was led by the Medical Club’s student officers: 

• Co-Presidents: Audrey Chen and Alaina Pinto (seniors)
• Vice President: Madeline Rong (senior) 
• Secretary: Radhika Sardana (junior) 
• Treasurer: Shruti Singh (junior)
• Co–Public Relations Officers: Elizabeth Harford and Emma Barnett (juniors)
• With guidance from faculty co-advisors Veronica Ade and Josett Bernberg

 

Key members of the Student Senate who contributed to the success of the project include:

• Presidents: Radhika Sardana and Anna Han (juniors) 
• Vice Presidents: Alaina Pinto and Lauren Shin (seniors)
• Treasurer: Giulia Petti (senior) 
• Recording Secretary: Gia Shah (junior)
• Board of Education Representative: Sofia Ng (junior)
• With support from co-advisors Caterina Fox and Samantha Vulin

“The project exemplifies the values of compassion, service, and social responsibility that we aim to cultivate in all of our students,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danielle Gately said. “We applaud our students’ empathy, dedication, and initiative, and the entire East Williston community takes pride in supporting such meaningful work.” 

 

Photo caption: (left to right) Caterina Fox, Samantha Vulin, Radhika Sardana, Anna Han, Gia Shah, Farah Karim, Alaina Pinto, Audrey Chen, Madeline Rong, Veronica Ade, Josett Bernberg. 

 

Photo courtesy of the East Williston Union Free School District