Each year, Sag Harbor’s Pierson High School students sign up to attend the East End Youth Leadership Summit to learn how they can make their school a better place. The Suffolk County Youth Bureau along with the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau sponsors the annual event at the Riverhead campus of Suffolk County Community College.
Students of all districts join to discuss issues that endanger youth such as substance abuse, violence, and prejudice, as well as develop skills that empower young adults to take control of their lives. This year, guest speakers, Vicki Cooper and Anastasia Karloutsos of the Retreat, engaged the students in conversation around topics such as “joy is fleeting but happiness is a conscious mindset.”
Ten Pierson students attended from grades ninth through 11th accompanied by Pierson guidance counselor, Adam Mingione. The students in attendance included Samuel Buenano Ramos, Izzy Caplin, Mackenzie Davis, Chad Federico, Slate Glick, David Kriegsman, Khalila Martin, Caroline McGuire, Eva McKelvey, and Madeline Quinn.
“This event brings together young East End leaders to discuss social issues that are important to them and learn skills and resources that will empower them to lead healthy lives and set an example for others,” said Mingione. “They had an awesome time!”
Photo caption: Pierson High School students attended the East End Youth Leadership Summit to learn about healthy living and set the right example for their peers.