Last January, Croton-Harmon High School launched its first MLK Day of Service and Education, a student-driven initiative rooted in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through learning, reflection, and community engagement. Guided by CHHS health educator Kerri Tracy and school counselor Zoha Nadeem, the day brought students together for discussions and collaborative activities centered on Dr. King’s message of unity, community, and service.

That work continued in March, when students translated reflection into action by leading a series of service projects across the district and the broader Croton community. From intergenerational programming with local seniors to partnerships with community organizations and literacy-based outreach, students applied these values to real-world experiences. Together, the two-part initiative laid the foundation for a growing commitment to student leadership, civic responsibility, and meaningful service.

At the start of the new school year, the original leadership team shifted its focus toward deeper reflection and purpose. “This year, students wanted to lean into learning and leading,” said Ms. Nadeem. “Year two has really been about exploring the ‘why’ behind continuing this work.”

In October, the group hosted a Tiger Tuesday information session to introduce the MLK Day of Service to the wider student body, sparking increased interest and expanding the leadership team. David, a CHHS junior, shared that the growth helped clarify the group’s direction. “Last year, James and I were the student leaders. This year, it’s more than tripled. With more voices involved, we know that together we can accomplish more.”

Alexa, a CHHS sophomore, joined after learning about the group through Tiger Tuesday. “Being part of this feels like something that can really make a difference,” she said. “It is important to understand how history connects to what is happening now and to be part of something that brings people together.”

As part of their continued learning, student leaders visited Ossining High School to participate in a session of the school’s SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) program, a student-led initiative centered on dialogue, reflection, and community building. Through group discussions and a courageous circle, students explored how structured conversation can create space for understanding and connection.

“The students at Ossining had been doing this work for a while, and we wanted to learn from them,” said CHHS junior Sebastian. “The way the conversations were led helped us understand how to talk about difficult topics in a respectful way. I left feeling more open-minded.”

Alexa also shared her thoughts about the experience. “It was so collaborative. Everyone came together as one group,” she said. “All points of view were heard with openness and respect. I found it very inspirational.”

The experience helped the leadership team draw clear connections between the purpose of the program and Dr. King’s legacy. Energized by the visit, the group decided to pilot their own courageous circle at an upcoming Tiger Tuesday, focusing on race.

For these students, being heard is just as important as being seen. “Race is a major topic in our community and in the world,” said James. “We want to be part of that conversation and learn from each other, even when people come in with different experiences or perspectives.”

As they prepare to lead their own courageous conversation this spring, the work they began last year continues to evolve. What started as a day of service has grown into an ongoing commitment to dialogue, leadership, and community engagement. For this student team, honoring Dr. King’s legacy means more than reflection. It means listening, learning, and having the courage to speak with empathy and intention.

“When people step into the circle and share their stories, it helps us see what we have in common,” said Alexa. “Dr. King’s legacy is about having a voice, and as students, we should be able to use ours to find a respectful way forward, even when it feels uncomfortable.”