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, economic development, jobs and housing, 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 find their gifts and pursue their passions as they navigate the twists and turns that are sure to occur over the course of their careers.
“I never suspected certain aspects of my upbringing and the skills I developed would serve me later on in life,” said Dr. Boomgaarden. “I encourage you all to figure out what you are good at, what special and unique gifts you have, and build on them. People who are optimistic, caring and empathetic are successful. Those traits will make you far more successful because others will want you to succeed as well.”
A total of 156 students participated, representing 13 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 Jo Anne Durovich, Ph.D.; Kelly Zinn, DSW, LCSW; Jaqueline Volpicella, LCSW; Konstantine J. Rountos, Ph.D.; Thomas Petriano, Ph.D.; Janelle Hill, Jason Ostrowe, Ph.D.; and Corrine Donavan, Ph.D.
The Summit, a partnership between St. Joseph’s University, 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 included students from the following high schools: Division Avenue, Patchogue-Medford, Amityville Memorial, Eastport South Manor, Islip, Wyandanch, Sacred Heart Academy, Kings Park, General Douglas MacArthur, John F. Kennedy and Mineola.
