Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature
Twenty-seven students from five Suffolk County school districts recently participated in the first "Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature," held at the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Smithtown. Credit: Hauppauge School District
A group of politically minded Suffolk County students learned recently what it’s like to be part of local government — even if just for a day.
Twenty-seven high schoolers from five districts — Commack, Hauppauge, Huntington, North Babylon and Smithtown — experienced the ins and outs of the legislative process last month through a first-time program titled “Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature.”
The effort, held at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Smithtown, was hosted by the legislature’s Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County.
“This experience was very eye-opening,” Hauppauge High School senior Versara Goberdhan said. “I feel enlightened, having been given the opportunity to see how politics and the government work up close.”
The teenagers were given an overview of how the legislature operates through presentations from several legislators and the heads of various departments, including the Sheriff’s Department and Department of Labor.
The students broke into caucuses to discuss mock legislation that would ban the use of drones over school property, acting as both county legislators and concerned citizens arguing for or against the bill. The fictional bill failed to obtain the majority needed to pass, with the vote tied at 9-9.
“I was immensely impressed by the intellect and enthusiasm of these young people,” said Gregory (D-Amityville). “Student Day was structured to reinforce that government is not merely an abstract idea, but a tangible entity powered by the people it serves.”
HAUPPAUGE
Kicks for Cancer fundraiser
The Hauppauge school district raised more than $32,000 last month through its 8th annual Kicks for Cancer event in memory of Courtney Tomkin, a student who died from brain cancer in 2008.
The fundraiser — which collected money from donations, raffles and sales of items such as T-shirts and bracelets — coincided with the boys and girls varsity soccer games against Kings Park and East Islip high schools, respectively.
Since the start of Kicks for Cancer, events have raised some $200,000 for charities ranging from the American Cancer Society to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
RONKONKOMA
Garden rededication
Edith L. Slocum Elementary School rededicated a garden last month in honor of Ryan Ruckdeschel, a student who died in 1997 after a battle with adrenoleukodystrophy, a degenerative genetic disorder. “Ryan’s Memorial Garden” was established the same year as his passing but fell into disrepair over the years, school officials said.
The revival was funded by a $500 grant from the Connetquot Foundation for the Advancement of Children, with the Edith L. Slocum PTA providing an additional $1,000. The Boy Scouts of Nassau County donated handmade steppingstones, and the Girl Scouts of Nassau County made wind chimes and bird feeders.
In addition, the school’s parents, teachers and community members donated plants and helped paint baseball murals to honor the boy’s favorite sport.
ISLANDWIDE
Diversity essay contest
The South Asian American Women’s Alliance is accepting submissions for its 2015 essay contest for high school students. The topic is “The Impact of Social Media on Cultural Diversity.”
Essays must not exceed 1,500 words — excluding literature cited — and participants must attend a public or private high school in Nassau, Suffolk or Queens counties. Ten semifinalist essays will be selected, with four finalists selected from that group.
Prizes are $500 for first place, $300 for second, $200 for third and $100 for an honorable mention.
The submission deadline is Nov. 30, with winners being announced in January. For guidelines and requirements, visit the nonprofit’s website at saawa.org.
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
