Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 100
Value of Time Served: $3,479
Event Type: Women
Activity: Girls Volleyball
School: Smithtown High School-West
Date: December 26, 2025
Location:
Smithtown West High School
Central Road, Smithtown
NY
About:
A Long Island high school senior is making a powerful impact in her school community by helping classmates build confidence and prepare for future opportunities through a unique service initiative.
Alexandra DeDonato, a senior at Smithtown High School West, created a “career closet” that provides students and local women with access to free professional clothing for job interviews, academic events, and leadership activities. The initiative was inspired by her volunteer experience with the Brookhaven chapter of Dress for Success, where she witnessed firsthand how proper attire can boost confidence and open doors for individuals re-entering the workforce.
Turning Inspiration Into Action
As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project — the highest achievement in Girl Scouts — DeDonato organized clothing drives with the support of friends, family, and community members. Her efforts resulted in the collection of more than 100 pieces of professional clothing, including blazers, suits, and blouses. These items are now stored on campus and available for students to borrow when needed.
The “career closet” has become especially valuable for students involved in DECA and other academic or career-focused programs who may need professional attire on short notice. By removing barriers to access, DeDonato’s project ensures that students can confidently participate in interviews, competitions, and presentations.
Building Confidence and Inspiring Leadership
Through the project, DeDonato completed well over the 85 service hours required for the Gold Award while gaining personal growth and leadership experience. She shared that witnessing others gain confidence from the support she provided was one of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative.
Her impact has also extended beyond the clothing drives themselves. Inspired by her efforts, one of her friends joined Girl Scouts to pursue a community service project of her own — highlighting how student-led initiatives can spark a ripple effect of service and leadership.
Empowering the Next Generation
DeDonato titled her project “Empowering Women From the Inside Out,” reflecting her commitment to helping others discover their potential. She plans to carry this passion forward as she pursues a future career in education, with the goal of guiding younger students as they explore their interests and aspirations.
Her story is a powerful reminder that when students take initiative and lead with compassion, they can create meaningful change — not only by meeting immediate needs, but by building confidence, inspiring peers, and strengthening their communities.
