“If there’s one thing Port Chester Middle School students embody—it’s Service.”
The Community in Bloom event turned a place of learning and blossomed it into a space of giving—inviting Port Chester neighbors to feel welcomed and nourished during the middle school’s monthly food distribution.
With face paint, pickleball, excited middle schoolers, and dedicated teachers, Port Chester Middle School became the perfect backdrop for a day of service, joy—and of course food.
An event that combined fun with purpose, it also gave middle schoolers the opportunity to give back to their Port Chester families during the school’s monthly food distribution.
Allison Fasano, who leads the school pantry, transformed a basic food distribution into a hands-on learning experience.
Speaking with deep emotion about her students, Allison shared: “Anytime I give them the opportunity- ‘who wants to help’- they all raise their hand. They want to help. They want to do good…they just need a way to do it.”
As the school’s Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Allison uses her curriculum to teach her students real-life lessons. This is especially so through the creation of a student-run community garden where students grow fresh produce together.
It’s this kind of intentional inclusion that makes Allison the definition of an exceptional educator. She goes the extra mile for her students to ensure they will blossom– academically and personally.
And because of this, her students are also inspired to be involved in their own community. In speaking with a few of these enthusiastic students, one shared: “My family grew up without that much money and I hope that as a community we can help uplift others, give them whatever their needs are.”
Another added: “The Port Chester community means to me… a home. I trust them to give me a home.”
This deep sense of belonging is echoed by the teachers, who reflected on the impact they hope their students will have on their community:
“I hope they learn that they each have the opportunity to make an impact and to be something. They are the changemakers of our community.”
That message of leadership was echoed by the presence of a very special guest—Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Executive.
In admiration for the event taking place, Ken said:
“The young people are the ones who teach everyone else.”
When asked about Westchester, he added:
“What I see every day is that there are people in need and this is the way for them to get support in a way that is sufficient and in a way for them to feel good.”
Many of our Westchester neighbors are in need of support. Community involvement is a powerful way of providing it.
One person who truly embodies the spirit of involvement and support is Zeltzyn Sanchez Gomez. A proud Port Chester resident and middle school alum, Zeltzyn plays a vital role in the operations of the food distribution.
When asked about volunteering, she said: “I’ve been very interested in food insecurity since middle school.”
She continued to talk about the impact of volunteering:
“I think it’s really meaningful when families recognize me and say ‘you’re the lady from the food distribution’… it’s really important when people recognize you because you’re a trusted person.”
Trust is essential in service to others. And Zeltzyn is the epitome of a trusted neighbor.
Because of her and Allison’s work, the community is met with open hearts and hands.
Assistant Principal Kristin Pascuzzi reflects on this best: “Port Chester is literally a family… we take care of one another.”
Port Chester Middle School has been a significant part of this care. Not only does food get distributed to the community, but the school also runs its own in-school pantry to ensure students have consistent access to food.
As the Superintendent of the Port Chester district, Dr. Aurelia L. Henriquez put plainly: “A hungry child can’t learn.”
With the help of Feeding Westchester’s partnership, food will never be an issue when it comes to students’ education.
And the impact does not stop there!
A seed has forever been planted in the students at Port Chester Middle School—one rooted in empathy and the power of giving. With each act of kindness, they’re learning that true change starts close to home.
A child’s life can be transformed the moment someone chooses to nourish them—both physically and emotionally. With the guidance of leaders like Allison, these students are not only supported but empowered through real opportunities to care for others.
The result is profound: a generation of young changemakers, growing in compassion and purpose—ready to nourish their own neighbors, just as they have been nurtured by their community.
