Plainview-Old Bethpage Chapter Recognized By DECA

Plainview-Old Bethpage’s DECA chapter achieved Thrive-level recognition by DECA International this year. The recognition is awarded to chapters that have completed certain campaigns designed to grow membership and build lasting partnerships between the schools and local community. Only seven chapters in New York State achieved this recognition this year.

DECA is an association of marketing students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. DECA and other extracurricular programs offered by the District allow students to pursue their interests and thrive both within and outside of the classroom.

Each fall, DECA offers four campaigns for chapters to complete as part of its program of leadership for the year. In order to receive Thrive-level recognition, the chapter must complete two out of three campaigns, including the Community Service Campaign, Ethical Leadership Campaign and Promotional Campaign. As part of the effort, PlainviewOld Bethpage DECA planned, organized and implemented POB’s Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign, a school-wide kickball tournament, participated in Homecoming, hosted fifth-grade Financial Literacy Day, and held numerous virtual career cafes.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage DECA members who contributed to the Thrivelevel recognition were Andrew Greenbaum, Zachary Zutler, Dylan Germain, Maya Kunis, Emily Sorgie, Reece Bennett, Max Marcus, Jesse Singer, Sydney Epstein, Emma Denson and Tyler Sperry, with the assistance of their advisor, Lindsay DeLucca. As part of achieving Thrive, Plainview-Old Bethpage’s chapter will be recognized at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which is to be held from April 22 to April 25 in Orlando, Florida.

“The THRIVE Campaign is a great way for our officers to showcase the various community-wide events that POB DECA hosts each year,” said Delucca. “These events are entirely planned, organized and implemented by our student members. By doing so, students learn a variety of skills to help them in their futures, including public speaking, communications, teamwork and collaboration.”

—Submitted by POB DECA

Great Debates At Seaford High Are Spirited And Friendly

Seaford High School Model Congress students debate issues both serious and silly, but regardless of the topic, there is a greater emphasis on camaraderie.

The Seaford/Wantagh delegation hosted a Model Congress convention on Jan. 21 at Seaford High School, featuring about 170 students from high schools on Long Island and Westchester County. Every event has a spirit theme, and this year’s was “road trip,” with members of each team encouraged to dress up to represent a different city.

Students could participate in committee debates on topics relating to entertainment, philosophy and ethics, pop culture, teen issues and more. There were serious topics like, “Is veganism truly environmentally conscious?” And some were more lighthearted, like “What would happen if you gave a Victorian child an iPad?”

“It’s the basic structure of our Congress, where people meet in committees to discuss different issues,” General Chair Paige Burch said.

Just like the federal government, there were full meetings of the House and Senate for students to vote on bills. Troy Tyznar, Seaford’s agenda chair, was in charge of coming up with the House bills to vote on, in consultation with the committee chairs. These were created in advance of the event.

“I love being able to debate about topics that I really like,” Troy said. “I also love that I’m able to ask questions of people’s opinions.”

Other officers from Seaford include Associate General Chair Gabrielle Bellamore, Delegate Chair Samantha Ferrara and Financial Chair Mary Saporito.

There are team and individual awards at the Model Congress conventions. Every delegation hosts one event per school year and the Seaford/Wantagh team was placed first at Long Beach High School.

Students say that being part of Model Congress helps them learn the art of debate in a fun and friendly place. The conventions, they noted, have a family atmosphere and are a safe space to explore their own beliefs and broaden their world views and perspectives.

“You can hear everyone else’s opinions,” Mary said. “It helps you to have an open mind.”

—Submitted by the Seaford School District

Levittown Grads Who Built Northside School Pond Awarded Honorary Life Award

Two graduates of the Levittown Public School District recently gave back to the community by constructing a pond in the courtyard of Northside Elementary School. For their efforts, they were awarded the school’s Honorary Life Award.

The pond, which was completed last school year by Rob Fuentes and Kevin Fuentes, further beautified the Northside courtyard near the established greenhouse. It serves as a home for the school’s two pet ducks, Tater and Tot, who now enjoy the upgraded living space. The pond features a waterfall over rocks, and more greenery will start to grow once the warmer weather hits. The courtyard is a beneficial space where students can learn about the importance of caring for animals and plants.

Rob and Kevin, owners of Tranquility Scapes, are graduates of the district and wanted to give back through their locally-owned business. The construction of the pond came at no cost to the district.

—Submitted by Levittown Public Schools