Number of Participants: 26
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $439
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Schools
Date: February 5, 2021
Location:
Elmont
NY, USA
About:
On Jan. 22, Clara H. Carlson School held “A Call to Service” virtual assembly in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The virtual assembly opened with images of Dr. King during the march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama, as well as his famous speech in Washington, D.C. The overall theme of this year’s assembly focused on his quote: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Images and videos were then featured, showing how the Clara H. Carlson school community has been inspired by Dr. King to serve others. Principal Stacia Walfall and her son, Kaden, shared how they want to help others become aware of Type 1 diabetes. Kaden discussed how he works as a youth ambassador with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Photos of Assistant Principal Natalie Nelson and her son donating their time to the Jack and Jill Nassau County Chapter were also included, and Assistant Principal Richard Mansfield talked about his work with the Achilles Foundation to help those with special needs. Additionally, video clips were played of teachers and students talking about how they’ve served the local community.
A schoolwide community service project was the highlight of the virtual assembly. Younger students created “peace and love” cards and posters to decorate the room doors and walls of the elderly residents of the Plattduetsche Home Society in Franklin Square. Older students wrote and decorated thank-you letters to the staff members who risk their lives on the front lines caring for these residents. Images of the residents and staff receiving the students’ cards and letters were added to the end of the assembly.
“By showcasing the many ways Clara H. Carlson staff and students serve their community, our scholars learned that service to all mankind and making a difference were vehicles for Dr. King’s call for love, freedom, justice and equality,” Assistant Principal Nelson said.
And, as is customary each year for the school’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly, teacher Donielle Orsano was recognized with the One Award. The award is given to a staff member or teacher who best represents Dr. King’s many attributes, including compassion and community service. Orsano shows support to not only her class, but students throughout the school building. She also donates to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as contributes to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Photo captions:
- Clara H. Carlson School Principal Stacia Walfall and her son, Kaden, talked about Type 1 diabetes during the virtual assembly.
- Clara H. Carlson School Assistant Principal Richard Mansfield discussed the Achilles Foundation during the virtual assembly.
- Clara H. Carlson School students are pictured with their drawings for the elderly residents.
- A first-grade class at Clara H. Carlson School showed off their artwork for the elderly residents.
- Clara H. Carlson School third grade student Koryne J. Jolicoeur tuned into the virtual assembly.
- Clara H. Carlson School third grade student Deiondre Spencer tuned into the virtual assembly.
Photos courtesy of the Elmont Union Free School District