Students in Mahopac High School’s Skills Program are making a meaningful impact in their community while developing valuable vocational and life skills through a partnership with United for the Troops in Carmel.
Each Wednesday, the Mahopac students volunteer at the nonprofit organization, helping pack care packages filled with hygiene items, snacks and other essentials for active-duty military members serving around the world. The experience provides students with opportunities to practice workplace skills while contributing to an important cause.
The volunteer work is carefully matched to each student’s strengths, allowing everyone to play an important role in the packing process.
“This program has been fantastic,” Special Education Teacher Kris Suozzo said. “One of the best things about volunteering at United for the Troops is that there's truly something for everyone. Some of our students are excellent at counting items, others are great at organizing and distributing supplies into the boxes, and everyone is able to contribute in a meaningful way.”
Students reported that the experience has been especially rewarding.
“Helping gives me a sense of accomplishment,” student Brianna DelVecchio said.
Classmate Brandon Pagan agreed, saying the opportunity has given him a chance to make a difference.
“It feels good to give back to the troops,” Pagan said.
In addition to volunteering at United for the Troops, students in the Skills Program participate in a variety of community-based vocational experiences. Students have also worked at Tractor Supply, where they complete tasks such as folding clothing, merchandising displays, organizing shelves, cleaning aisles and watering plants while developing valuable workplace skills.
The Skills Program also focuses on essential daily living skills, providing instruction and practice in areas such as cooking, laundry and other independent living tasks that help prepare students for success beyond high school.
Mahopac’s Superintendent of Schools Vincent DiGrandi said experiences like these demonstrate the importance of learning beyond the classroom.
“I’m grateful to our teachers and staff for providing our students with authentic, hands-on experiences in our community that help them build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and discover their own strengths,” DiGrandi said. “I'm especially proud that our students are using those skills to support United for the Troops and give back to the men and women who serve our country.”
Mahopac Central School District’s Skills Program continues to help students build independence, confidence and career readiness while demonstrating the power of service to others.
