Number of Participants: 820
Hours Donated: 8
Value of Time Served: $55,432
Event Type: Civic & Community
Activity: Schools
School: Sayville High School
Date: May 28, 2025
Location:
Sayville High School
Brook Street, West Sayville
NY
About:
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 and participation from approximately 820 students (80% of the student body), Community Connect Day was an outstanding example of student-led leadership and meaningful engagement.
Under the guidance of Mr. Hart 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, coordinating logistics, 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!”
“Today, we had the students and staff at the Sayville Greenhouse for Community Connect. It was explained that the whole school is involved in this project, what a great idea. The students were impressive, and the teachers, Mr. L., Mr. N., and Mr. H., were clearly mentors to these young adults. I shared with them the mission of People’s Arc of Suffolk, and invited them to tour our Bohemia facility to explore careers in special education, nursing, PT, OT, Speech, Social Work, and more. One great mentor changes your life. You are all doing an amazing job.”
“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 attending first-period classes that focused on motivational videos and conversations around the importance of service. After team-building activities, students headed out to their assignments by 9 a.m., with ten projects requiring bus transport and others happening in the local area.
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. These new relationships, built on shared goals and service, will carry forward into the classroom and beyond.
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 leadership of educators like Mr. Hart, the vision and dedication of the 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.
