Members of the High School’s Natural Helpers recently attended the annual Compassion Without Borders Leadership conference held at Smithtown East High School, where they worked with hundreds of high school students from across Suffolk County to further develop their social and emotional leadership skills.

Accompanied by school social worker Ms. Jaclyn Anci, health instructor Mrs. Mary Mitchell and Principal Mr. Frank Pugliese, the students participated in workshops that focused on the theme of the day – paying it forward. On the bus ride home, the students brainstormed on how to share this message within the school and community to help advance a culture of compassion, acceptance, tolerance and positivity in school.