Black history month in focus at W.T. Clarke Middle School

In honor of Black History Month, W.T. Clarke Middle School held a Living Legends Competition throughout February to highlight Black individuals who have made impactful contributions to the country and the world. This interactive digital activity, organized by business teacher Katie Caccamo and Principal Stacy Breslin, aimed to educate students about notable Black individuals living today.

Flyers were hung throughout the school and each had a QR code for students to scan to see website with information about a significant member of the Black community. Students earned badges by answering questions after conducting the research.

Among the Living Legends were former President Barack Obama, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, WNBA star Maya Moore and East Meadow’s own Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Card Jr. The digital competition runs through the end of February, and the group of students who win the most badges will collect a prize.

“I thought this would be a motivating activity to get students involved in Black History Month,” Caccamo said of the monthlong project. “It has helped kids learn more about the contributions of living Black individuals to our community and the world.”

In addition, students researched a Black American of their choosing and created a fictional Instagram page for them. They looked up pictures of their selections and researched facts to use as captions.

“The students really got into it,” said teacher John Geekie. “They were able to pick whomever they wanted and were very motivated and interested in doing this project.”

—Provided by the East Meadow School District. Compiled by Brian Stieglitz.