Elementary Students Make Most of Leadership & Service Opportunities

The lessons and skills that children acquire throughout their time in elementary school are ones they will carry with them throughout their lives. But Eastchester’s youngsters aren’t simply growing as readers, mathematicians and learners; they’re also developing their skills as leaders as well.

On Wednesday morning, Loukoumi Foundation founder Nick Katsoris spoke with students at Anne Hutchinson and Greenvale, highlighting the Good Deeds Club, an extra-curricular offering at both schools that promotes civic-mindedness and acts of service, both locally and across the globe. After initially launching at Anne Hutchinson with a successful inaugural campaign that saw students combat hunger through food drives, raise money for the Blythedale Children’s Hospital through bake sales, and spend time with local senior citizens, the Good Deeds Club is coming to Greenvale this year as part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the Grades 2-5 schools to offer more leadership opportunities for interested youngsters. 

These opportunities are spread across several different programs at the two schools, including Student Council, Peer Mentoring, and numerous PBIS initiatives centered around the importance of empathy, kindness, and service.

“We try to create leadership opportunities for students where they have real responsibilities in the school,” said Greenvale Assistant Principal Diana Nikaj. “We want students to think: ’How can I make my community a better place?’ and ‘How can I make this school a place where everyone wants to come every day?’”

Anne Hutchinson Principal Laura Cappiello said she has been thrilled with the way her students are embracing their roles as leaders and that it has been heartening to see the ways in which they continue to engage the world around them.

“Alongside our annual service projects, I am excited to see what new ideas our students will bring to life this year. Giving children a voice in choosing their service projects helps them connect with causes they care about and take ownership of their contributions,” said Cappiello “Through service, they build empathy, confidence, and a sense of responsibility, discovering that their actions matter and that leadership begins with caring and taking action. This is what it means to show HEART—the values we practice every day.”

Greenvale Principal Joanna Sanese explained that as the two schools become more aligned in terms of providing opportunities for service,, an Eastchester culture that already promotes service and selflessness will be strengthened as these younger students move on to the secondary schools and take these experiences with them. 

“Especially with regards to graduation requirements and things like ‘Portrait of a Graduate’, service will be a part of that, and we hope to instill that from a young age,” she said.

“It’s not just about preparing them for the next grade level, it’s about preparing them for life,” added Nikaj. “We want them to be engaged in their community, and if we start now, it’s more likely that they will continue to take on those roles.”