Living our mission through service.
That’s what members of Students Taking an Active Role in Society (STARS) at SJC Long Island are doing with every event and drive they host. And they’re doing it to effect positive change in the world.
“With STARS, students experience what it is like to be active in society by doing various community service activities,” said Emma Tennaro, president of the student-run club. “Through this, they realize the importance of helping our community, especially the poor and most vulnerable.”
And students in STARS aren’t just volunteering on campus. They lend a helping hand to the local and global communities, as well.
Getting Involved
Emma Tennaro ’24
Tennaro, 20, joined STARS as a first-year student after hearing her Orientation Leader talk about the club.
“From her telling us all about STARS and how it was a service club, I knew that I had to join,” the Middle Island resident said. “I always had a passion to help others throughout my community, no matter what it was.”
A nursing major who expects to graduate in 2024, Tennaro brings service into every part of her life — including her volunteer work with the EMTs and paramedics at her local fire department.
“I always try to get involved as much as I can to help those who need help — if it’s donating food, packing boxes with supplies, taking care of someone who is injured or if someone just simply needs the extra hand,” said Tennaro, a New York state certified EMT. “I never gave up in finding out what service means to me. Helping others will always be a part of my life, and I will do whatever it takes to make everyone happy!”
While Tennaro really enjoys the service aspect of the club, it’s not all she gets out of her involvement in STARS.
“My favorite part of being in STARS is seeing everyone come together to do service for the community around them,” said Tennaro, who is also involved in Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Theta Phi Alpha, serves as an Orientation Leader, and is a student worker in Campus Ministry. “Being club president has also definitely helped me in boosting my confidence in showing leadership skills.”
And when it comes to her favorite STARS activity, that’s easy — it’s the Christmas Wrap Party.
“This is one of my favorites because I like seeing everyone from SJC coming together to wrap gifts for children that they picked from the Christmas Tree in the Student Lounge,” Tennaro said. “I think it’s a fun and great way to help those in need, and getting a gift on Christmas means a lot to them.”
Upcoming STARS Events
Take a look at the list below and get involved.
Halloween Basket Packing
Oct. 27, 6 p.m. • Student Hospitality Lounge
Join the club in packing baskets with Halloween-themed crafts, small games and candy for children. The baskets will be donated to Branches Long Island, a nonprofit organization that provides necessities to those in need. This event counts as service hours for those who need it.
Safe Halloween Drive Thru
Oct. 31, 9 a.m. – noon • Branches Long Island Outreach Center, 588 Middle Country Road, Middle Island
STARS is partnering with Branches Long Island at their Safe Halloween Drive Thru. Volunteers will help give out candy and treats, and participants get a free slice of pizza. Donations of pantry items, diapers and wipes will be accepted. This event also counts as service hours for those who need it.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Throughout the month of November, STARS will collect nonperishable food donations for Campus Ministry’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Christmas Gift Drive and Wrap Party
Campus Ministry collects donated gifts throughout the month of December. STARS will be participating and helping out at Campus Ministry’s Christmas Wrap Party on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., wrapping the donated presents.
Visit STARS’ Instagram for more information regarding all upcoming events.
