Paul Idle’s Welding class created a fire pit and raffled it off raising $300 for their service-learning project. They donated the funds to one of their own, Barry Tech welding alum Max Scriva, to help with medical costs after a car accident.

Students from Barry Tech celebrated the many contributions they have made to their community throughout the year during the 2023 Service-Learning Fair. The entire student body participated in the fair, which is the culmination of a year of community service.

Frequently referred to as “learning by doing,” service learning refers to the use of hands-on, community-based projects to supplement traditional curricula. Students participate in service activities that relate to and enrich their understanding of their chosen courses of study.

Some of the projects this year included: “Jump Rope for Heart,” a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, conducted by the students in the Health Service Cluster, which raised over $4,000 for the cause. The Medical Assisting program ran three separate blood drives for Long Island Blood Service, bringing in 293 pints of lifesaving blood — enough to help more than 879 people. The welding class helped one of its own, by raffling off a custom-built fire pit and donating the money to former student Max Scriva to help with medical costs from an injury due to a car accident. “Hair We Share,” raised $900 for the Gerrin Hagen Scholarship.

Other service-learning projects ranged from Animal Care’s Toys for Paws, complete with a “selfie with a snake” fundraiser, to Christmas Magic Toy Drive conducted by the Power Sports class and to the Auto Collision classes which detailed cars for veterans.

“We are extremely proud of the connections and outstanding services our students have made within the community,” said Barry Tech Principal Peter Dalton. “The annual fair is a wonderful way for students to highlight their successes to classmates, parents, our administration and the community. Volunteering and being involved in community service help foster the sense of personal and social responsibility that is needed to develop well-rounded students.”

Here is a photo gallery of the day's events.