Grundy Avenue Student Takes the Lead

From Sachem Central School District: On Oct. 27, the field behind the Grundy Avenue Elementary school in the Sachem Central School District was blanketed by students and staff members in pink supporting a great cause — raising awareness for breast cancer during a student-organized walk. Leading the charge during the event was student-coordinator and advocate Bret Auricchio.

Bret, a Grundy third-grader, took the lead on this initiative last month to raise money for the American Cancer Society. After realizing the success these walks have had elsewhere in the district, Bret was confident that his school could make a significant impact. He developed a plan for the event from start to finish, including creating and reading daily announcements and designing and distributing flyers for the students to bring home to their families.

Reflecting on Bret’s actions, Principal Laura Amato remembered a quote from renowned American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

As a result of student and faculty participation throughout the building, the breast cancer awareness walk raised a total of $1,100.

Photo courtesy of the Sachem Central School District: Grundy Avenue third-grade student, Bret Auricchio and his teacher, Angela Coffaro.