A day of service

For many students around the country, Jan. 18 was a day to sleep-in, play, and enjoy a day-off from school. But for a group of 65 students from the Waldorf School of Garden City (along with their parents, teachers, and friends from Adelphi University’s men’s lacrosse team) the holiday was an opportunity to serve their community and honor the life and teachings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As part of the nationwide “King Day of Service,” the group of volunteers spent the day collecting trash and cleaning the grounds of the Tanglewood Preserve at the western edge of Rockville Centre. A beautiful 17-acre natural habitat that contains several peaceful ponds, streams, and nature trails, the preserve is the site of the Center for Science Teaching and Learning. The day-long, outdoor event also provided the students an opportunity to meet U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy.

“We had fantastic weather and a great turn out,” said Keelah Helwig, a kindergarten assistant teacher and chair of the school’s Diversity Committee. “Our MLK Day of Service gave us the opportunity to be in nature, demonstrating care and respect for the earth, attributes that are cultivated at our School through our rich curriculum. The event truly honored Dr. King’s legacy – an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the very young (and the not-so-very young) in service to our community.”