Young Leaders Visit
Washington Students
When teacher Debbie Quiles asked the Young Leaders is they could send a delegation to Washington Primary School and speak with the fourth grade student leadership team the organization was only too happy to oblige the veteran educator.
Young Leaders co-founder Kevin Thorbourne and Huntington High School dean and athletic coach Ron Wilson brought along the group’s President Justin Weigold, Vice President Alexandra Koumas and junior member Amaru Jones.
The three teenagers briefly introduced themselves and then spoke about some of the community service projects they have engaged in over the past year. Ms. Koumas discussed the beach cleanup the Young Leaders organized and the importance of being involved in similar community activities. Messrs. Weigold and Jones, who both play football on the Blue Devil varsity team, spoke about the beautifications projects they have worked on and other charitable endeavors including food, clothing and toy drives to benefit local families and children.
“Our kids answered questions ranging from what high school is like to why they chose to be in the program,” Mr. Wilson said. “It was great! Our kids showed great leadership in answering these questions. They went on to share how respect, responsibility and safety are all important aspects of leadership.”
Ms. Quiles and school psychologist Christina Martino lead Washington’s student leadership team, which pursues various projects around the building and in the community. The group found their experience with the Young Leaders to be a valuable one.
“The kids really found it enjoyable and informative,” Ms. Quiles said about the visit from the high school students. “They asked a bunch of questions at the end. Ronnie, Kevin and the students they brought along took the time to get down to a fourth grade level and explain how, even at their young age, they can make a difference. They also explained how the children can get involved in their community now and told them about an activity coming up on November 1 in which they can participate. They also explained to the kids that what they are learning now can be carried with them through middle school, junior high the high school and ultimately throughout their lives.”
The Young Leaders are in demand across the district. “Dr. Ozimkowski, who helped Ms. Quiles form this group at Washington, is now at Jefferson Primary School and has a similar group there as well,” Mr. Wilson said. “She has already reached out to me, asking when can we come and speak to her young leaders. Woodhull School Assistant Principal Jarrett Stein also asked if we could speak there as well. Our kids really enjoyed speaking to the youngsters at Washington. They even chuckled a bit because the chairs and desks were so small. They especially enjoyed the Seven Habits song that the youngsters sang for us.”