Pirate for a Purpose is a new initiative within Mepham High School’s Senior School and Community Leadership class, empowering students to identify real needs in their school or community and take meaningful, student-driven action.  

The class, led by social studies teacher Jacqueline Geller, encourages seniors to move beyond the classroom and create real-world change through leadership and civic engagement. 

Seniors Jake Wilson and Brayden Seligman launched their project after noticing ongoing safety concerns on Stewart Avenue near Mepham’s main entrance. With heavy daily traffic from school buses, parent drop-offs, and the senior parking lot, they identified a lack of school zone signage as an issue.  

Motivated to make a difference, Wilson and Seligman researched the problem, contacted the appropriate agencies, and even attended a Town of Hempstead meeting on Jan. 27 to advocate for change. 

Their dedication paid off when new school zone signs were installed on Feb. 3.  

“Jake and Brayden’s work is a powerful example of Pirate for a Purpose in action - showing how Mepham students are not just learning about leadership, but practicing it and making a lasting, positive impact on their community,” noted Geller. “Jake and Brayden’s work exemplifies the mission of Pirate for a Purpose: identifying a real-world problem, charting a course forward, and seeing the project through with perseverance, leadership, and civic responsibility. Their project highlights how Mepham students are not only learning about leadership in the classroom, but actively practicing it, making a lasting, positive impact on their school community.”