West Hempstead Secondary School tenth graders put the lessons of kindness, tolerance and positive action into practice on Oct. 2 when they visited Cornwell Avenue School to take part in a special “Be the Change Day” activity with second-grade students.
Approximately 20 West Hempstead sophomores walked to Cornwell Avenue School, where they took on leadership roles as they guided younger students through a lesson focused on tolerance, kindness and the ways small actions can make a meaningful difference in their communities.
The students also learned about Mahatma Gandhi and his connection to peaceful change as part of the activity. Inspired by Gandhi’s message of positive action, the sophomores encouraged their younger peers to consider how their own everyday choices can help create a more caring and respectful community.
The students then brought those ideas to life through a hands-on “Planting Seeds of Change” activity. Working together, the sophomores and second graders planted seeds as a symbol of how positive choices and actions can take root, grow and create lasting change.
The seedlings will eventually become part of the Garden Circle at Cornwell Avenue School in the spring, giving the students a lasting reminder of the experience and the lessons they shared.
The activity was part of “Be the Change Day,” a countywide initiative launched by the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and the Shanti Fund Organization in recognition of Gandhi’s birthday and the International Day of Non-Violence. The event also provided a symbolic connection between the initiative and the participation of second- and tenth-grade students.
For West Hempstead, the day provided an opportunity for students at two levels of the district to learn from one another while strengthening their connection to the school community. The tenth graders gained an authentic leadership experience, while the second graders were introduced to the idea that even small acts of kindness, empathy and respect can help create meaningful change.
Through shared learning and a handful of newly planted seeds, the students demonstrated that positive change can begin with something small — and grow into something much bigger.
Photo caption: 1-5: West Hempstead Secondary School tenth graders put the lessons of kindness, tolerance and positive action into practice on Oct. 2 when they visited Cornwell Avenue School to take part in a special “Be the Change Day” activity.
Photos courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District
