NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - On a cold winter day, neighbors and friends gathered around a garage for a band's first concert. Playing a mix of punk and rock, the teenagers raised several hundred dollars to provide clean water to children in Somalia.
"It was a good turnout, and we collected more than we expected. We would definitely do something like this again," said Henry, the band’s bass player and a senior at North Salem High School. "We're sending the money to UNICEF Somalia for digging water wells and getting water to kids who need it."
The benefit concert was one of many civic projects developed by North Salem seniors this year. For the fourth year, students in the government and economics class dedicated ten weeks to creating initiatives to enrich their communities. North Salem was an early adopter of New York State's Civic Seal of Readiness program, where students demonstrate their potential to make a positive difference through civic knowledge, skills, and actions. This year introduced a new global element; students connected their work to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a framework of 17 worldwide objectives to achieve peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
One group held a bake sale to support education for women, raising funds for Right to Learn Afghanistan. The organization sent letters and poems from girls in Afghanistan, which the students displayed alongside their homemade treats.
"After we read all the letters that they sent us, we got to feel it on a more personal level and felt more connected," said Allie, who felt empowered with their plan that used strategic resources available to her team, such as advertising on the student news show that she co-hosts. "We can raise awareness and shape public opinion and pressure decision makers."
Other students focused on impacting the school community. One team created a bridge program between students to address declining youth mental health. After interviewing teachers, the group established one-to-one messaging between freshmen and seniors for school or social questions that will continue beyond the project.
"We were surprised how many freshmen got involved, and then we had a lot of interest from seniors to help," said Addy, who hoped to create a more connected environment within the school. "We want this to continue, so when they're seniors, they can give freshmen the same experience."
Two seniors taught 10th graders CPR to improve outcomes in heart attack cases. Over two days, they demonstrated and tested the students until they felt confident in the younger students' abilities.
"In our research, we found that heart health is a significant issue in Westchester County. The more people who know CPR, the greater the chance that someone will survive a heart attack," said Steven.
"Knowing this could possibly save a life one day, that was the most rewarding part," said Max. "It helped us realize how every civilian should help their community in some way. It's our civic duty."
"Ultimately, one of the most important lessons to take away from school is the importance of being a civic-minded person," said teacher Chris Regan, who co-teaches the class with Alison Vara. Their students navigated each stage of their projects, developing the skills necessary to tackle challenges they will face long after graduation. "We are very proud of what they accomplished. These final presentations celebrate the students and their efforts to create and implement change."
Article courtesy of North Salem Central School District.
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