Arlington High School highlights student civic projects, sustainability and inclusion programs

Arlington High School leaders presented a year-end overview to the Arlington Central School District Board of Education that highlighted academic recognitions, student-led civic engagement, sustainability projects and inclusion programs. Principal Dr. Soleimani opened the presentation and said the school operates under the banner “I am an admiral, a community for all,” and summarized academic and extracurricular highlights.

Dr. Soleimani and teacher K. Bellino described a range of programs: induction of 189 seniors into the National Honor Society, recognition of nearly 399 students at an honors ceremony, participation in the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) and My Sister's Keeper (MSK) initiatives, a participatory budget pilot that funded a “grame and snack station” and a Zen garden, and a “No Place for Hate” designation. The AHS food anchor program currently serves 20 students and 2 staff members weekly; staff said they plan to expand the pantry into a student-choice model next year.

Miss Bellino presented the Seal of Civic Readiness (New York State), noting the district averages roughly 380–415 recipients and is “one of the leaders in the state.” Nineteen students completed the capstone projects this year; several presented results at the board meeting:

- Dominic Allen led a book drive that donated more than 190 books to the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. - Cyrus (last name not specified) pivoted from a planned tea with seniors to a clothing drive and donated items to the Children’s Home in Poughkeepsie for students in foster care. - Yamile Gonzalez collected approximately 45 bags of clothing for Dutchess Outreach through a drive with her soccer club. - Students in Mr. Lawrence’s climate and energy science class spearheaded a de-lamping program; presenters reported they had removed 1,198 bulbs (stated as “de lamped 11 98 bulbs” in the transcript) with estimated carbon savings and a projected yearly cost savings (figures provided by students as part of their project: estimated carbon savings £26,367.7 and estimated yearly savings $4,625.93). The presenters said the work may expand to other district buildings. - Arunya Sahu planted 200 willow stalks in wetlands behind the high school to benefit Blanding’s turtles and set up a watering and measurement plan with community partners. - Rebecca Rodriguez Singh and Alexa Johnson researched using willow residues to produce charcoal for art classes; they are exploring expansion to other buildings. - Cali Rolison developed a hands-on “Save the Sea Creatures” science activity and taught it at Vail Farm Elementary School.

Student speakers included Xavier Duranis and Brandon Bailey, who were inducted as MBK fellows and spoke about representing the school at state meetings. Dr. Soleimani, Miss Bellino and several students emphasized civic skills learned through the capstone process: research, planning, outreach to community partners, and implementation of informed action.

Several student projects involved community partners such as Dutchess Outreach, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, Hope on a Mission, Willow Veil Farm and former AHS staff member Maribel Pregnal. Teachers and students said the projects frequently engaged peers as volunteers and provided practical learning about project management and civic participation.