Finley Community Club Embraces Oral History Project

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.

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.