Kappa Leaguers Kick Off their Plans for Health, Wellness & Substance Prevention!

While many teens spend their Sunday evenings relaxing, a dedicated group of young men from Wyandanch High School’s Kappa League spends theirs making a difference. The Kappa League, led by Principal Paul Sibblies, is part of a national program that helps young men in grades 6–12 develop leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

Last year, Wyandanch High School officials partnered with the Town of Babylon Community Coalition to participate in an innovative prevention project focused on reducing youth substance misuse. A multi-faceted approach includes using technology and data tools, training students for peer to peer communication and enhancing skills for taking action and solving issues facing modern students. The focus for the 2025-2026 school year is Vapes A Mistake!

The initiative began with a baseline survey to better understand students’ attitudes toward substance misuse, as well as to set realistic goals for promoting healthier decision-making both inside and outside of school. Importantly, students found that when peers were caught with vaping paraphernalia, they weren’t punished, they were supported. Each received counseling and guidance from caring faculty members who believe in intervention over punishment. Trained by a NYS program through a local prevention provider, the staff at the high school understand prevention best practices and strive to create an environment that reduces stigma and encourages students to ask for help if they need it.

The project data was analyzed by the coalition’s epidemiologist and presented back to the Kappa Leaguer's, giving them the chance to interpret the findings and plan their own next steps. Inspired by the results, several students are now planning outreach and informational events for their peers and parents to raise awareness about the real impacts of vaping, from athletic performance and academic scholarship opportunities to overall health.

By turning compassion into action, Wyandanch High School’s Kappa League is setting a powerful example for what youth leadership, school, government support and community partnership can accomplish. The community can’t wait to see what this group of young changemakers does next.

More about Kappa League

The purpose of the Kappa League is to promote the good works and accomplishments in a community. It’s a program for the educational, occupational and social guidance of male students in grades 6th-12th. It was designed to help young men grow, receive, and develop their leadership talents in every phase of human endeavor. Our goal is to inspire and focused on youth, to be driven by youth and to serve as a resource for our community.

Kappa League is leadership!

Kappa League is critical thinking!

Kappa League is social action for social good!

Kappa League is academic success!

Kappa League is preparation to succeed in life!

Kappa League is mentorship!

Kappa League is public speaking!

Kappa League is Achievement!

More about Town of Babylon Cares Community of Coalitions, www.babyloncares.org

There is unity in community!