Woodhull’s Learners Who LEAD Program Keeps Sixth Graders Busy

Woodhull Intermediate School sixth grader recently took learning beyond the classroom walls as part of the Learners Who LEAD program. Students participated in a variety of meaningful service activities throughout the Huntington community, including projects at Centerport Beach, Helping Hands, Sunrise Assisted Living, Tri CYA, North Shore Holiday House, the Huntington Library, and the Centerport Senior Beach House.

These service experiences were the culmination of months of learning, research, collaboration, and the development of student action plans. As part of the program, students select an area of interest or community need they would like to explore further, helping to strengthen student voice, engagement, and ownership throughout the learning process.

The Learners Who LEAD initiative was created to help students connect classroom learning with authentic opportunities to serve others and make a positive impact within their community. Throughout the day, students worked collaboratively, demonstrated leadership, and experienced firsthand the value of service to others.

“At the heart of the Learners Who LEAD program is service to others, but the program is so much more than that,” Woodhull Principal Stephanie Campbell said. “Through the learning and experiences within the program, our students are developing important life skills such as leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. They begin to realize that they can make a difference, even at a young age, and that leadership is more than just a title or position. It is about helping others, taking initiative, and making a positive impact. I truly believe in the power of this program and the meaningful opportunities for learning and growth it creates for our students, as well as the lessons we hope they carry with them long beyond their years at Woodhull.”

Following the service trips, students participated in a “community circle” where they reflected on their experiences and shared the impact of their work with peers who participated in different service projects. The conversations highlighted the pride, empathy, and sense of purpose students gained through the experience.

“A special thank you to Ms. [Nicole] Leggio, Woodhull’s Learners Who LEAD program teacher, for inspiring our young leaders and organizing another impactful and memorable learning experience for our students,” Ms. Campbell said. “We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the local organizations and community partners who welcomed our students and provided them with these meaningful opportunities to learn, serve, and make a positive impact within the Huntington community.”