STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The young movers and shakers at St. Joseph by the Sea High School, Huguenot, are doing good things and making their teachers, families, and borough proud.
Recently, a number of Sea students have formed a new group called Pay It Forward and their mission is to focus on helping the community by taking on several special projects throughout each school year.
This Pay It Forward group kicked off their new club with a most laudable first initiative: To rebuild homes in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.
On January 21, 17 students headed to Newark, N.J., where they were tasked with helping to construct two different home projects. Their work consisted of hanging doors, caulking, and placing molding.
In fact, after being shown how to properly use the correct tools, students even cut and hung sheet rock to complete walls within the home.
“Sea gives us amazing opportunities to experience new things and get involved with the community,” said Student Body President Andrew Cortese. “It was a great day doing something I’ve never done before and helping people in the process.”
The students were also accompanied by the group’s moderators Mrs. Barbara Kennish and Mr. Greg Manos, who facilitated the project.
“Without the help of Mrs. Kennish and Mr. Manos, this trip wouldn’t have happened,” said Melanie Migliorato, the founder of Sea’s Pay If Forward Club. “Sea has taught us to always look out for others and we’re looking forward to working on the next project.”
The group is currently planning another project this Spring. The Pay It Forward group consists of: Rachel Kearns, Stephanie Gangemi, Lia Disomma, Melanie Migliorato, Joseph Bye, Kyle Sinclair, and Gianna D’Esposito.
Also: Mathew Mitchell, Julia Cacace, Jonathan Pelligrino, Andrew Cortese, Russell Dinsmore, James DePaolo, Gabrielle Schroeder, Natalie Aponte, Donata Masucci, Julia Fleschner.
According to their website, Habitat for Humanity NYC’s vision is a city — and a world — where everyone has a decent place to live.
Their mission is to “transform lives and communities by building quality, affordable homes with families in need, and by uniting New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing.”
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1984. Homes are built by family partner homeowners who oversee and work together with volunteers. Exterior constructions are built to code by professional builders and the interior work is done by volunteers.