Saturday, October 17, 2026
West Hempstead Secondary School 10th graders put lessons of kindness, tolerance and positive action into practice Oct. 2 when they visited Cornwell Avenue School to take part in a special “Be the Change Day” activity with second-grade students.
About 20 West Hempstead sophomores walked to Cornwell Avenue School, where they took on leadership roles, guiding younger students through a lesson focused on tolerance, kindness and how small actions can make a difference in their communities.
The students also learned about Mahatma Gandhi and his connection to peaceful change as part of the activity. Inspired by Gandhi’s message of positive action, the sophomores encouraged their younger peers to consider how their everyday choices can help create a more caring and respectful community.
The students then put those ideas into practice through a hands-on “Planting Seeds of Change” activity. Working together, the sophomores and second graders planted seeds to symbolize how positive choices and actions can take root, grow and create lasting change.
The seedlings are expected to become part of the Garden Circle at Cornwell Avenue School in the spring, giving students a reminder of the experience and the lessons they shared.
The activity was part of “Be the Change Day,” a countywide initiative launched by the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and the Shanti Fund Organization in recognition of Gandhi’s birthday and the International Day of Non-Violence. The event also provided a symbolic connection between the initiative and the participation of second- and 10th-grade students.
The 10th graders gained leadership experience, while the second graders were introduced to the idea that even small acts of kindness, empathy and respect can help create change.
