Number of Participants: 65
Hours Donated: 5
Value of Time Served: $2,746
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Team
Date: May 9, 2016
Location:
230 Poppy Avenue Franklin Square
New York 11010, United States
About:
The nationally acclaimed Challenge Day program was brought to H. Frank Carey High School on April 19-20.
On each day of the event, 100 students (including student athletes) in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 took part in the all-day program, which promotes a culture of tolerance, acceptance and empathy while encouraging participants to “Be the Change.” Students engaged in a series of activities under the guidance of two professional Challenge Day leaders, which allowed them to break down barriers and social stigmas in an effort to better understand that “the only thing that really separates us is the belief that something separates us.”
PPS chairperson Danielle Amato and guidance counselor Julie Elena spearheaded and organized the event with the support of Principal Valerie Angelillo. The event was also made possible with the help of donations by the HFC PTSA, The Carey Dads’ Club, the Sewanhaka Central High School District PPS department, an HFC faculty fundraiser, HFC student activities and the Lynbrook/RVC Holiday Inn Express.
There were more than 50 adults who helped facilitate the days’ activities as well as 25 students, who participated last year and served this year as team leaders. The adult facilitators, who created a safe and nurturing environment for the participants, were teachers and staff from Carey, district staff members, school psychology graduate students from Adelphi University and school counseling graduate students from Hofstra University. Students left the event stating that they had never experienced such a powerful and life changing program. As one student said, “This was an amazing experience. Everyone who participated is forever changed for the better.”
Photo Caption: Pictured (l-r): H. Frank Carey students Jordan Wind, Catherine Istafanos, Stephen Cassese and Sara Persall.
