After weeks of organized donation drives for the Community Cupboard, the Central High School District marked the legacy and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week’s worth of inspirational events.

“Through the lens of food insecurity, the importance of speaking up against injustices of any kind and service, the students conveyed the message of the significance of working to improve our community,” explained Robyn Einbinder, a social studies chairperson and Day of Service organizer. 

At the high school level, Leadership students pushed into social studies classes, teaching informative lessons about food insecurity.

Jordyn Classie and Massimo Sustick, seniors at Mepham High School, educated and enlightened peers in Kerry Dennis’ Participation in Government class about the lack of food resources, subsidies and government programs available to many across the nation.

“More than 40 million people each month rely on SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program),” Classie stated. 

At Calhoun High School, senior Nick Mascary addressed Beth Finneran and Mike Pisano’s co-taught ninth grade global class.

“While no one demographic is immune to poverty, it does not strike all equally,” he noted. “In fact, 16.2 percent of children live in poverty.”

Throughout his lessons, Mascary challenged students to think about why they should want to make a difference and how it would be possible for them to do so. 

“The community cupboard helps people in our community – in Bellmore and Merrick,” he said. “They regularly collect and distribute food, hygiene, pet and other necessary items to more than 50 local families.”

Following the holiday season, there is often a lull in donations to the Community Cupboard. 

“I am so thankful that the One Voice One Message Committee of student ambassadors representing each building in the District chose to direct their efforts to the Community Cupboard,” said Eric Arlin, executive director of Alternative Education and the Community Cupboard. “With the MLK Day of Service donations, we will be able to continue feeding the 40-50 families with food insecurity in this community twice per month."
 

Student ambassadors at Kennedy High School encouraged peers would also like us to “make a resolution” to help others throughout the entire year.

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During social studies classes at the middle school level, students also learned about Dr. King’s legacy of service and “how we, as a caring community, have acted in service to improve the lives of our neighbors,” explained Grand Avenue Principal Carlo Conte.

Students in middle school art clubs also created messages of peace in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Each student used watercolor and wrote what was meaningful to them. 

At Merrick Avenue, Student Council members collected change during lunch periods and donated the money to the Community Cupboard. World Language and ENL classes engaged in various activities in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Jan. 17, Grand Avenue student ambassadors handed out pre-printed compliments to the rest of the students as they arrived to school. 

Students learned about the history of Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of being kind while participating in several kindness activities as they reflected on Dr. King’s legacy.

Students throughout the district continued to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they engaged in activities that promote making connections to others. 

A human dominoes activity during phys ed classes aimed to link students together recognizing the many commonalities they all have.