Teens take lead in discussing problems

Bullying, racism, violence and substance abuse challenge teens every day.

But the message from students in Huntington's schools focused on hope.

"A lot of the issues stem from ignorance and societal prejudice," said Mimi Liu, 15, a 10th-grader at Half Hollow Hills East. "But these are things we can address with more community-based programs where you surround youths in a positive environment."

With about 150 other students from eight school districts, Liu attended a Youth Speak Out hosted last week by town board member Glenda Jackson to give teens a voice in the often adult-led debate about issues facing teenagers.

Bullying, especially cyberbullying, topped the list of students' concerns.

"It's bad," said Ashley Satiro, 13, an eighth-grader at Finley Middle School. "Also sexting, gossip, peer pressure to make other people feel bad. It needs to stop."

Students in grades six through 12 sat in groups and told adult moderators about the challenges they face and ways to address them.

Anthony Carrai, 14 and a ninth-grader at Half Hollow Hills East High, said the same issues students like Ashley - and others - face are a concern in his school.

"Drugs, alcohol abuse, drunken driving," Carrai listed. "But it's not hopeless. If teens help each other out and speak up when they see something wrong going on, we can solve these problems."

Students suggested the town build recreational centers, offer more after-school programs and sponsor more youth-oriented events such as the Youth Speak Out, held Thursday at the Tri Community and Youth Agency building in Huntington Station.

"There's a lot of separation among people of different races and ethnicities," said Jared Thorbourne, 17, a senior at Huntington High School. "But we can get over that by learning about each other. I want everyone to unite as a community. And it can be done. We just have to put our minds to it."

Junior Flores, 18, a Huntington High School senior, said the event was helpful, especially if action follows words.

"This was much-needed," Flores said. "You felt comfortable speaking up about doing the right thing. I just hope somebody was listening."