Riverhead Students Help To Build Habitat Humanity Home With Love

RIVERHEAD, NY — The Riverhead High School Interact Club gave back in a big way recently when they opened their hearts and teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to help build a house for a family in need in the community.

According to the Riverhead Central School District, the students took part in two field trips in April and May that allowed them to develop their skills while enjoying a bonding experience while assisting others.

“I am so proud of the dedicated service our students have displayed,” said Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore. “To specifically give back to a family in your own neighborhood is a special feeling and further unites our wonderful community. The Interact Club’s projects and partnerships truly pursue this mission, and I look forward to seeing all of the great work I know they will continue to do.”

This is the Interact Club’s third year working with Habitat for Humanity; club members fundraised for several months to make the Humanity field trips possible. They sold paper bricks for $1 apiece and raised more than $800. On the April field trip, students insulated the house and cleared the yard for landscaping and then, when they returned in May, they painted the interior of the home.

“It is an absolute joy to work with Habitat for Humanity each year,” said Riverhead High School Interact Club Advisor Debbie Cantalupo. “The students were exhausted at the end of each day but overjoyed at what they accomplished to help this family.”

The following Interact Club students participated in the project with Habitat for Humanity: Destiny Baker, Pablo Chavez Cardona, Charlotte Dow, Miguel Garcia, Abigail Heck, Kevin Kulakowski, Avery Mato, Ava Meras, Shannon Noone, Michelle Nunez and Daniel Terlikowski.

Only students 16 or older were able to to participate.