Kindness isn’t just about grand gestures- it’s in the small, everyday actions that make a difference. At Syosset High School, students take this to heart, finding ways to uplift others through meaningful initiatives. While National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17 shines a light on the importance of generosity and compassion, these students prove that kindness is a year-round commitment that’s not just limited to one day. Here’s a look at some of these clubs dedicated to spreading the power of giving.
Awareness Club
Meeting every Monday after school in room D8, the Awareness Club, advised by Ms. Erika Marcus, is one of the school’s longest-running community service clubs. The club tackles social issues, from hunger and literacy to mental health awareness. Their initiatives include P.S. I Love You Day, which promoted mental health advocacy, and Book Fairies, a book drive supporting literacy efforts in underprivileged communities. “We sometimes live in a bubble, unaware of the struggles others face, so exposing students to real-world issues and watching them make an impact is what we do here,” said Ms. Marcus.
Pro Club
Led by Ms. Michelle Rosenoff, Pro Club helps organize and run many drives for a variety of different causes. Meeting on different mornings throughout the year, Pro Club offers a way for students to get involved in creating and running drives to support causes of their choosing. The club members also spend time with the life skills students at Syosset in order to bring a smile to their faces and help out in any way they can. When asked about her favorite Pro Club memory, board member Amy Roth-Epstein said, “Adopting an underprivileged family for the holidays and buying them gifts so they have something.”
Interact Club
Meeting every Wednesday after school in room B3, Interact Club also works to better the community by organizing and supporting charitable drives. One of their core missions is raising awareness for cancer, collaborating with organizations such as Sunrise and the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to make a lasting impact. “This club helps show that small things can really make a big difference,” said adviser Ms. Emily Almeida.
These clubs show that kindness extends beyond a single day- it’s a way of life. Whether by organizing drives, raising awareness, or simply brightening someone’s day, these initiatives prove that small acts of kindness create a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond the school walls. “I feel that when people hear of community service they think they have to do something really big, but even a small snack bag can help make a difference to someone else,” said Ms. Almedia.
