Way to Go: Rachael Martines

A Carle Place High School senior recently spread the word at the state level about her school's efforts to give back to the community.

Rachael Martines, 17, who is president of the senior class, hosted 10 workshops last month at the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities' 2013 State Conference in Buffalo.

About 100 students at the conference heard Martines talk about her school's "Battle of the Classes, Battling for a Cause," a fundraiser that has collected $75,000 for local organizations since 2008.

This year's event, scheduled Feb. 28, will benefit The Lexiebean Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children with cancer.

"The idea is to make a local impact," said Martines, who also is president of the school's Key Club. Of the conference, she said: "It was interesting to hear what kids do at other schools, and it made me realize what we do at Carle Place is unique and special."

The "Battle of the Classes" has physical and mental games involving all four grade levels. Teens must raise funds to participate through sponsorships from family and friends.

Key Club and senior class adviser Maddelena Buffalino was named Adviser of the Year at the state conference.