Congratulations to South Huntington School District’s Project Excel students as they celebrated their end of the year ceremonies. The program found great success as students had a year full of mentorship and academic support, team building and community service learning at Maplewood, Birchwood, Silas Wood, Stimson Middle School, and Walt Whitman High School.

During this past school year, Project Excel students have coordinated fundraising initiatives for Make-A-Wish, led food collection drives for Birthday in a Box, and have become active participants in building and district level activities, i.e. volunteers for Winter Wonderland, Penny Wars, and Bracelets for Ukraine.  “The community service activities in Project Excel are an important component to this program, which provides an opportunity for students to develop confidence, leadership and team building skills,” said April Poprilo, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. The  academic support and mentorship is made possible through the efforts and dedication of the Project Excel Coordinators and teachers:

Birchwood: Tracey Maddy, Coordinator

Maplewood:  Anissa Rasdall, Coordinator

Silas Wood: Kevin Connolly, Coordinator

Stimson:  Steve Kellerman, Coordinator

Walt Whitman: Mark Graciani, Coordinator

Mr. Martine MacDonald, who serves as the Student Engagement Consultant facilitates in and out of school service-learning projects was also present at the ceremonies, “I’m thankful for you guys for allowing me to participate and influence you guys to be a part of the community,”

Whitman alumni and prior Project Excel students, Alexander Plaisir, Julio Taku and Elvira Taku, took the opportunity to speak to current students about their experiences in the program and lessons they learned while participating in the district wide program.

Congratulations to our students on another great year!

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Alexander, a recent graduate from Old Westbury, spoke to students at Birchwood about how Project Excel gave him hope and wisdom to become the best version of himself. “Wisdom is instilled by somebody who has paved the way, the right way, and they can share their struggles and learn from their struggles,” he said.

Birchwood's Project Excel students received certificates at their end of the year celebration.

Elvira, a rising junior at Stony Brook University, told students that Project Excel will help them achieve their biggest goals, including going to college. “Education is one of the most incredible gifts you can ever have in your life,” she shared fondly.

Julio told students that high confidence and the ability to use their voice to speak up were skills that he learned through Project Excel. “With a program like Project Excel, with people who want you to succeed, you're gonna have a fountain of endless knowledge and support,” he said.

Stimson's Project Excel students enjoyed their last day together, celebrating a year's worth of community activities and learning together.

Past Project Excel speakers with Silas Wood's present students.

Maplewood received certificates at their end of the year celebration. Congratulations to all of our Project Excel students!