Oceanside High School Castleton students lend a hand

Students at Oceanside High School Castleton have a new graduation requirement, but they're not complaining. In fact, they're already embracing the idea introduced by fellow classmate Chantaya Neblett, who encouraged her classmates to join her in volunteering at a local charitable organization.

The idea first took shape during a brainstorming session last year between school social worker Pearl Greenfield and a few students, including Neblett. They were trying to come up with a new activity for the group, and tossed around the idea of forming a knitting club or volunteering at a local animal shelter. Neblett mentioned that she had been volunteering at Hempstead's Interfaith Nutrition Network — better known as the INN — with her family. The INN provides shelter, food and a host of other support services for Long Islanders in need.

Chantaya first volunteered at the INN when she was 13. Her mother and two of her uncles were already volunteering there, and Chantaya's mother felt it would be a good idea for her to come help out as well. "At that point in my life I was a spoiled brat," Chantaya admits. But her first visit to the INN helped changed her perspective, and encouraged her to think more about what she could do for others. "I just saw how grateful these people were," she explained.

Hearing about Chantaya's experience encouraged her classmates, and the group thought it would be a good idea to visit the INN with her. "Chantaya's very bright and I respect her judgement," Greenfield said. "And I thought if this was important to her, it would be good for everyone to have the experience. Then it just took off from there."

Candace Bonsignore, a senior, was among the first group of students to visit the INN with Chantaya last year. She helped sort and serve food to clients. While she had volunteered previously, Bonsignore said she hadn't experienced this type of interaction before. "It's a good experience overall," she said. "I learned a lot about the people and how it's good to help people. It's a nice thing."

The group returned to school with enthusiasm, and it rubbed off on their classmates. Principal Dori Ciulla liked the idea, and thought it would be a worthwhile experience for all students. The school decided to make one full day of volunteering a graduation requirement. But so far, most of the students don't need encouraging. Once they heard about their classmates' experience, they were eager to volunteer. "We're very proud of them that they're willing to do this," Ciulla said. "I think they get a really strong sense of helping others," Greenfield added.

Senior Murtaza Gulamhussein volunteered at the INN for the first time in November. "I didn't know what to expect when I walked in," he said. Murtaza helped prepare food for Thanksgiving. He said he had donated food to charities before, but that this experience was more personal. He helped serve food and give bags to families to take home. "I was just thankful to give," he said. "It was very exciting and I was pretty amazed." Junior Danny Duckworth felt the same way after volunteering at the INN in February. He helped serve food and sort it into bags. "It made me feel great," he said. "It made me feel like a good person afterwards." Danny said it was especially rewarding to help families who came to the INN with their young children.

Students are eager about their next visit to the INN, scheduled for March 19. Chantaya hopes to return with her classmates and continue volunteering over spring break. "It's like my second home," she said. "I love that place. I just feel like I'm giving back."

Comments about this story? Afertoli@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 269.