Number of Participants: 15
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $1,268
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Football
School: Longwood High School
Date: February 13, 2025
Location:
Longwood High School
County Route 24, Middle Island
NY
About:
The Longwood High School varsity football team is making a significant impact beyond the field through its commitment to community service, mentorship, and inclusion. Throughout the year, the team actively engages with elementary school students, peers with disabilities, and the broader school community, fostering meaningful connections and promoting positive values.
One of the team’s standout initiatives involves visiting all four Longwood elementary schools to educate third and fourth graders on various disabilities. During these visits, varsity football players wear their jerseys and partner with high school peers who have disabilities to lead classroom lessons. These interactions create an inclusive and enriching experience for both the elementary students and the high school mentors. The team is set to complete its fourth and final elementary school visit of the year at Charles E. Walters Elementary School.
In addition to classroom visits, the varsity football team participates in Little Lions Week, a mentorship program founded by Head Coach Sean. Through this initiative, varsity players are paired with elementary classrooms and engage with students via Google Classroom. They answer questions, share insights into high school life, and schedule virtual meetings with the elementary students, culminating in an in-person visit at the end of the week. This program fosters a strong connection between younger students and their high school role models.
The team also collaborates with Longwood High School’s Best Buddies Program by hosting an annual “Best Buddies Combine” in the spring. This event, recently completed, provides students with special needs the opportunity to participate in football drills led by varsity players. The event is a highlight of the year, bringing joy and a sense of teamwork to all participants.
Volunteerism is a core value of the Longwood varsity football team, and the players continuously seek opportunities to give back to their community. Whether through education, mentorship, or inclusive activities, the team is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Their commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement serves as an inspiring example of the power of athletics beyond the game.
