The Islip High School Business and Leadership Commerce Club has been accepted into the nationally recognized Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, marking the school's first participation in the program.

The academy, created by ADDO, a leadership consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, in partnership with Chick-fil-A, is designed to empower students to make a positive difference in their communities by putting leadership principles into action.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Chick-fil-A Commack location, Islip students will engage in a series of hands-on leadership and service experiences throughout the school year. The club’s proposal focuses on raising funds to support local veterans and the Islip American Legion Hall, which needs critical building repairs.

“The message is impactful through action, so they'll be fundraising and giving back to their community," said Renée DeCrescenzo Clock, Business & Distributive Education/Special Education Instructor. "It’s a great opportunity for our students to partner with Chick-fil-A and for us to give back to our children and to give back to our veterans." 

The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy focuses on the concept of Impact Through Action, guiding students through the ACTION framework: Awareness, Communication, Teamwork, Innovation, Ownership, and Next. Throughout the program, students participate in monthly “Leader Labs” where they explore timeless leadership principles and work together to plan and execute three major service projects: the 1 Million Book Giveaway, Help Others Win, and an end-of-year Impact Project that directly benefits their community.

Unlike traditional academic programs, the Leader Academy welcomes students with diverse skills, interests, and passions who are eager to make a difference. Members are expected to attend after-school meetings, participate in all three impact projects, and take on roles in planning, organizing, marketing, and networking with community partners.

The program officially kicked off at Islip High School on Wednesday, November 5, where students met with Bryan Beasley, owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurants in Smithtown and Commack. Beasley shared insights about leadership, service, and community impact, setting the tone for an inspiring year ahead.

“Hopefully, we teach the young people leadership skills but also teach them how to give back to their communities," said Bryan Beasley, owner of the Smithtown and Commack Chick-fil-A locations. "The capstone is to do a community service project at the end of it. As a local business owner, it’s really wonderful to see them do great things with it."

Through this partnership, Islip students will have the unique opportunity to learn, lead, and serve — proving that leadership begins with action and care for others.

#IslipRising