St. Joseph’s University, New York (SJNY) recently hosted Vision Long Island’s annual Youth Summit, a dynamic event celebrating the innovative research and projects of local high school students.
The Summit brings together high school students for a day of interactive workshops with representatives from various fields while covering key topics, including teen mental health, self-esteem and well-being, substance abuse, climate change, renewable energy, diversity and equity, criminal justice and the ethical and social implications of science and technology.
The event began with a keynote address from SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., that encouraged students to work hard and find their talents as they navigate life after high school while remaining adaptable and being open to lessons from the universe.
“College is a chance to let go of your high school self and really become who you’re meant to be,” said Dr. Boomgaarden. “You can grow and become something more by thinking about what you want to do and finding a way to excel at it. There is no one way to be successful but if you work hard and become good at what you do, you will be successful.”
More than 200 students participated, representing 14 high schools from across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The event featured a series of workshops where students could collaborate with their peers to discuss their research and share their insights with a wider audience.
A number of workshops featured St. Joseph’s faculty and staff, including Lisa Tafuro, Ph.D.; Kelly Zinn, DSW, LCSW; Jaqueline Volpicella, LCSW; Adrianna Silva, Ph.D., LCSW; Konstantine Rountos, Ph.D.; William Leonelli, Ed.D.; Barbara Morrell, Ph.D.; Janelle Hill; Corrine Donavan, Ph.D.; Katie Blumenthal; Sherley Beausoleil and Lichele Lucatorto.
The Summit, a partnership between St. Joseph’s, public and private high schools, National Grid, Vision Long Island and other contributing organizations, is designed to engage and empower high school students in exploring and addressing some of society’s most critical issues. Through collaboration and creative problem-solving, the event serves as a platform for the next generation of leaders to drive change and innovation.
This year’s winners were students from Sacred Heart Academy, General Douglas MacArthur High School, Patchogue-Medford High School, Eastport South Manor Junior Senior High School, Kings Park High School, Longwood High School, Amityville High School, Hicksville High School and Long Beach High School. The top prizes for students’ research are cash prizes of up to $500 and $1,000.
