A longtime Sachem resident, author and retired educator Sal Nicosia recently visited fifth-grade students at Hiawatha Elementary School to share the importance of civic engagement. 

Author of the book “Empowering Our Children To Be More Effective in the Political Process,” Nicosia is a passionate advocate for educating and empowering students to ask questions and be engaged members of the community. Mirroring the advice in his book, Nicosia answered several student questions such as how he became so involved in the community, how he began his career and his motivation to continue his work.

This November, in honor of New York State History Month, students engaged in social studies activities exploring the voting process, local laws and various areas of government.