Students in Ms. Gurtner’s Leadership in History and Action class at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School have been hard at work preparing for the district’s annual Thanksgiving food distribution. This particular distribution is the most intricate of the year, requiring many hours of organization, packing and coordination to ensure families receive everything they need for the holiday. 

The leadership class has played an essential role in ensuring every detail is in order for families in need. Their involvement aligns directly with the course’s goal of studying leadership in politics, history, education and community settings. 
As part of their project-based assessment, students must identify a community need, develop and implement an action plan, and evaluate its effectiveness. Supporting the Thanksgiving food distribution provides a meaningful, real-world opportunity for the class to apply key concepts of teamwork, ethical decision-making, service and positive community impact.