Manhasset Secondary School recently conducted its annual Community Service Fair for all high school grade levels, providing students with an opportunity to meet with representatives from numerous local nonprofit organizations.

The Community Service Fair is designed to connect high school students with a variety of volunteer opportunities made available through these nonprofits. Organizations in attendance included Adventures in Learning, Habitat for Humanity, Planet Manhasset, Dancing Dreams, Deeds4Needs, HorseAbility, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Hugs Across America, Tuesday’s Children, the CASA/Healthy Living Club, the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation and the New York Blood Center.

Along with building their college resumes, students can apply their volunteer experiences toward their senior community service graduation requirement. Underclassmen can use their experience toward two different award programs: the nationally recognized Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which is presented by the social studies department, or the Service and Citizenship Award, presented by the counseling department.

“We received positive feedback from students who were happy to learn about so many different opportunities and find ones that match their personal interests,” said Mara Steindam, district coordinator for social studies and coordinator of the fair. “In addition, several representatives from the nonprofits indicated that this was an excellent event from their perspectives, as they now have access to so many eager student volunteers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”