Barry Tech students help Diller family, other charities

During their 2024 Service-Learning Fair, the students of Barry Tech High School, run by Nassau Boces, presented their contributions to the community. The entire student body participated in the fair, which is the culmination of a year of community service.

Frequently referred to as “learning by doing,” service learning refers to the use of hands-on, community-based projects to supplement traditional curricula. Students participate in service activities that relate to and enrich their understanding of their chosen courses of study.

This year their service projects included “Jump Rope 4 Heart,” a fundraiser by Health Services cluster students for the American Heart Association, and a blood drive organized by Medical Assisting students for the New York Blood Center that collected 112 pints of blood to help more than 300 people. Other projects included an Animal Care fundraiser for the Nassau County SPCA complete with a “selfie with a snake” photo op, a hair and nail services fundraiser held by Cosmetology students to benefit student participation in SkillsUSA, and Dental Assisting student participation in the Nassau County Dental Society “Give Kids a Smile” event. Welding students created and raffled off a custom-made fire pit to raise money for Barry Tech student scholarships, and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement students held a fundraiser to benefit the family of former NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.

“We are extremely proud of the connections and outstanding services our students have made within the community,” said Dr. William Poll, the Barry Tech acting principal. “The annual fair is a wonderful way for students to highlight their successes to classmates, parents, our administration and the community. Volunteering and being involved in community service help foster the sense of personal and social responsibility that is needed to develop well-rounded students.”