Smithtown High School East Leadership students, under the guidance of teacher Joseph Toth, earned an impressive $21,500 in grant funding through the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program this year. Four student-led teams were recognized for developing innovative service-learning projects designed to make a meaningful impact on their school and community.

Lead4Change combines leadership training with real-world service learning, challenging students to identify a need within their school or local community and create a practical plan to address it. Through collaboration, problem-solving, and community engagement, students develop leadership skills while making a positive difference.

 

The following student teams received grant funding to support their initiatives:

7B Sprouts of Kindness — $7,500 Grant

The team received $7,500 to expand the school's garden program through the purchase of gardening supplies and growing systems. After learning that the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry primarily distributes non-perishable items to the 75 to 130 families it serves each month, Leadership students and the Interact Club, led by Mrs. Giangrandi, sought to provide healthier food options.

Using custom-built outdoor garden beds and indoor hydroponic systems, students launched an initiative to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for local families experiencing food insecurity. 

2B The Next Generation Remembers — $8,500 Grant

Awarded $8,500, this team focused on revitalizing Smithtown East's 9/11 memorial. The project restored and enhanced a memorial dedicated to the victims and first responders of the September 11 attacks.

2A Mission PAWsible — $4,500 Grant

Mission PAWsible earned $4,500 to support local animal shelter initiatives. Leadership students partnered with Nicole Gargulio and Jennifer Luikart from the Town of Smithtown Supervisor's Office, Mickey's Ice Cream, and several local businesses to raise awareness and funds for shelter animals.

3A The Heart of the Campus — $1,000 Grant

The Heart of the Campus team received $1,000 to purchase games and recreational activities for students. Through a student-led fundraising campaign, new board games and interactive activities will be added to the Commons Café and Main Café during the upcoming school year.

Through their creativity, compassion, and leadership, Smithtown East students have demonstrated how young people can create meaningful change while addressing important needs within their school and community.