Huntington Teenagers Visit
Woodhull 6th Graders
Don't ever underestimate the value of young people talking to each other about their experiences. Plenty of good can come from such sessions.
Ron Wilson, a dean of students at Huntington High School, took a group of "mentees" to Woodhull Intermediate School to speak with sixth graders about respect, responsibility, communication and effort.
"I must say our students did an outstanding job," Mr. Wilson said. "They were so nervous when I first approached them about doing it. They even asked if the program came with a script. I responded, 'Yes...from within.'"
The teenagers are members of a mentoring group that Huntington coaches Todd Jamison, Steve Muller and Kevin Thorbourne work with each week. Huntington High School Principal Carmela Leonardi and Woodhull Intermediate School Principal Mary Stokkers embraced a suggestion that the high school mentees do a little bit of mentoring themselves.
The high school contingent included Dante Allen, Nigel McNeil, Shaheem Lewis, Ryan Mulligan, Brandon Fiordelisi, Trayvon Toney, Isabel Senate, Brittney Robinson and Shea Scully. "They were very well received by the students and faculty of Woodhull," Mr. Wilson said. "They responded very well to questions that were posed to them by the sixth-graders."
Mr. Allen and Ms. Scully spoke about the importance of responsibility and how homework assignments aren't just for "extra practice" but to teach a person how to be responsible, as well," Mr. Wilson said.
Ms. Senate and Ms. Robinson explained how students have to get into the habit of juggling school work, music and dance, and athletics. Mr. Fiordelisi provided clear examples of how student-athletes have to be at their best when it comes to time management.
Messrs. Toney and Lewis each answered questions on respect. "They both gave clear examples why respecting oneself is important to the individual and their family," Mr. Wilson said. Mr. Toney said a person not only represents themselves but their family's name and their coaches. "So you must at all times be respectful of others, especially the adults in school that are trying to help you," Mr. Wilson added. It was then that Mr. Mulligan interjected with comments about how important it is to communicate with adults in the building, especially teachers.
"It truly was an awesome experience for both groups of students," Mr. Wilson said. "Woodhull students asked questions ranging from sports at the middle school level to violence and bullying across the country. Our high school students responded to each question with honesty and enthusiasm."
Woodhull teachers expressed their appreciation for the visit and the enthusiasm the high school students brought with them. A second visit is planned for later this spring during which the teenagers will meet with the remaining half of the sixth grade student body.