Finley Community Club Embraces Oral History Project
October 25, 2023
J. Taylor Finley Middle School’s Community Club is off to a strong start to the 2023/24 school year with a burst of activity in September and October.
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Most recently, club members and faculty advisors Ingrid Moreira and Jessica Mollica have collaborated on a project with Finley librarian Ms. Carmen DiBartolomeo.
The group joined in a celebration of Hispanic and Latino heritage in both the district and across the town. Students collected oral histories from people of Hispanic-Latino descent as well as from other countries to help understand the community better. Finley students interviewed both family and community members.
The Huntington Public Library provided resources for self-guided interviews. Interviews were recorded on a laptop and transferred to the club advisors and Ms. DiBartolomeo. The recordings were shared with the participating community members upon completion of the project.
“This is a great activity of bringing the community and school together,” Finley Principal Traci Roethel said.
The club’s program is a way to build foundations, leadership and a sense of community and family at Finley. The organization offers guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of students.
The faculty advisors say a sense of community brings many benefits to students, including helping to develop school culture and appreciation; increasing peer support and encouragement; a sense of belonging; improving reasoning and better decision-making skills.