Class assignment prompts students to take action in community

GOSHEN — Goshen High School seniors in Jonathan Redeker’s Participation in Government classes were challenged to design and complete Civic Action Projects that benefit society.

According to Redeker, “It was my goal to make this an engaging course that presents students not only with the curriculum of U.S. Government, but also with an opportunity to do a project that is bigger than themselves and has an impact on the community.”

Students were assigned activities to explore their passions and interests and conducted a formal survey of their chosen community using Google Apps for Education. Students worked with Redeker to formulate concepts and project plans, and then presented their project proposals to their classmates and a panel consisting of Principal Kurtis Kotes, Assistant Principal Patricia Lercara, former Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Personnel and Technology Dr. Frank Sheboy, and several faculty members, who provided feedback and suggestions.

Projects took place throughout the semester, and included a bake sale to benefit Rett Syndrome through the Eva Fini Foundation, Powder Puff Tournament to benefit the Meghan Sager Fund and Smile for Saints, supply drive for the Goshen Humane Society, and clothing drive for Safe Homes of Orange County. Students utilized the school community, religious organizations, the Village of Goshen, Internet communities, local businesses, employers, and other community groups to assist them in their programs. Some did not achieve their goals, but learned about logistics, planning, and execution through the process.

At the end of the semester, students presented their work to a similar panel that extended to Board President Judy Green, County Legislator Shannon Wong, and additional faculty. Students reported on their original plans, the hurdles they faced and how they troubleshot them, and a final assessment.

In the final analysis, many students commented that they learned important lessons about time management and procrastination, how difficult it can be to navigate bureaucracy in agencies, and how regular people can really make social change. “If someone is an ‘average citizen,’ not in a vulnerable predicament, they should take advantage of that and help someone who is by stepping up and addressing an issue,” said senior Cara Surace. “It’s doable to bring about positive change in a community.”