South Colonie Central School District announced earlier this month the addition of Halal meals to its food service offerings, furthering its commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity. This initiative reflects the district’s dedication to ensuring all students feel welcome and accommodated in their school environment.

To celebrate and educate the community about this new offering, two talented students from the Sand Creek Broadcast Club, Nuzhat Bhuiyan and Sahara Saif, created a video announcement for their school community. The video introduces the concept of Halal food, explains its significance in the Muslim community, and shares the excitement surrounding these new options.

“This project was a wonderful opportunity for our students to combine their creativity with their passion for advocacy,” said Shaunna Pastuszak, Broadcast Club Advisor. “Nuzhat and Sahara did an excellent job of using their platform to highlight an important addition to our schools and help foster greater cultural understanding.”

The new Halal meal offerings have already garnered significant interest from students. "During the first week alone, over 300 Halal meals were requested at our middle and high schools," said Dr. David Perry, Superintendent of Schools. "This enthusiastic response underscores the importance of listening to our community and implementing changes that truly support our students' needs."

Currently, Halal meals are being offered at the middle and high school levels only, with plans to expand these offerings to elementary schools in the spring. The district’s initiative is a direct response to feedback from the community, ensuring that students of all backgrounds feel seen and valued.

The collaboration with the Sand Creek Broadcast Club has made this moment even more special, showcasing the power of student voices in driving positive change. It serves as an excellent example of how student-led projects can inspire and inform, creating a more connected and understanding school environment.