For the third consecutive year, Mrs. Suriano led her West Islip High School American Sign Language Level 5 seniors on a visit to Oquenock Elementary School on March 26, where they delivered an engaging and interactive ASL lesson for second grade students.

This year’s visit blossomed with a festive spring theme, creating a joyful and meaningful learning experience. Oquenock’s second graders rotated through a variety of hands-on stations, each designed to introduce new vocabulary and concepts in ASL.

Activities included singing and signing a cheerful spring song, creating crafts, playing interactive games, and an “egg-cellent” station where students selected words hidden inside colorful plastic eggs and learned how to sign them. The visit was made even more special thanks to an invitation from Principal Amanda Harvey, who warmly welcomed the program back for another year of collaboration, connection and springtime fun.

Throughout the morning, the West Islip seniors stepped into the role of teachers, guiding their younger peers with patience, enthusiasm and care. They modeled effective communication through sign language while building connections that were as bright as a spring day. Many of these dedicated seniors are candidates for the World Language Honor Society, are earning Adelphi University college credit, and are working toward the Seal of Biliteracy. They served as outstanding role models, demonstrating pride, kindness, and thoughtful care in every interaction.

This experience planted the seeds for meaningful collaboration between the seniors and younger students while nurturing the ASL seniors’ leadership skills. The visit concluded with all students coming together to perform the song they learned in ASL — an uplifting moment that showcased their love for learning and celebrated their shared success.