Community News

Kennedy Leadership Students Present Cougar Talks

Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Students in Leadership III course at Bellmore-Merrick’s John F. Kennedy High School presented their Cougar Talks program on Jan. 11.

Nine senior student presenters, who have been a part of the three-year School and Community Leadership program since sophomore year, recited talks about their chosen topics to an audience.

Luke Feldman’s talk, “Checkmate,” discussed his pastime of playing chess against his grandfather and how the game can be related to everyday human interactions.

“It is these minute actions that can carry the greatest weight, and if it can happen on a chessboard… it can certainly happen amidst the chaos of everyday life,” he noted. “Even the most seemingly insignificant interaction can have long-lasting positive outcomes. All I’ve tried to do and all I can ask anyone to do is to try to make whatever impacts they may be the best for the person beside you.”

Dustin Abrams’ talk, “Cory’s Little Brother,” talked about the balance of sibling rivalry and being a support system.

“For all younger siblings, figure out that your older sibling is looking out for you and likely showing you the way,” he said. “For all you older siblings, your younger sibling is looking up to you, trying to catch up to you and very likely needs you.”

During Savannah LoGiudice’s talk, “Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect,” she reminisced about her dance career.

“Perfection is something we continually strive for and not something we ordinarily achieve,” she said. “It’s the goal. It’s what we work towards.”

Student presenters included; Luke Feldman – “Checkmate,” Alex Levitt – “Thank You for the Music,” Dustin Abrams – “Cory’s Little Brother,” Nicole Giordano – “Never Give Nicole Aux,” Beverly Kleinman – “Golden Peak,” Skyler Poster – “My Best Friend,” Dorien Ford – “2-0-6 (& 5-1-6),” Nick Giannaris – “Do the Things You Love to Do,” Savannah LoGiudice – “Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect,” Rachel Oppenheim – “Ask Rachel,” was not present.

Students Leah Pollack, Matthew Rowe, Benjamin Schwed and Addison Soffer from Leadership I and Emmy Rosenberg and Noah Zinman from Leadership II provided an overview of the Leadership program, which currently has 81 students enrolled.

Program instructors Kristy Faulkner, Erin Leitzel and Brad Seidman were instrumental in helping the students prepare and organizing the evening’s program.

The entire program can be viewed on CougarTV’s YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79hng85Y0v0.

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