Huntington Students Go All-In at Conference in Commack

Huntington High School teachers Suzi Biagi Quigley and Marlo Romero led a group of 11 students who are member of the New World and A World of Difference club to a conference at Commack High School that drew participation from 34 high schools and more than 350 teenagers.

The keynote speaker was Gian Paul Gonzalez, a teacher in the Union City public school system in New Jersey and the founder of Hope and Future Foundation, an organization that works with children at risk and also pushes into a local juvenile detention center in the vicinity of Union City.

“His message was clear; If you want to be committed to taking action in your community and in your school’s community then being open minded and willing to take risks is the key,” Ms. Biagi-Quigley said. “He stressed that all the students in attendance are leaders. He shared that the hardest things to do and the right things to do are the same exact thing. That even when others don’t get it, choosing to show up, makes you a leader.”

Inspiring hope through the power of commitment and positivity, this expert on sports, leadership, youth education and wellness mesmerized the audience. His mantra, “All In” was repeated and practiced throughout the day’s activities, with breakout sessions that allowed students from different schools to work with each other.

Finishing with a connection activity where the students lit up the room with just three energy sticks, Mr. Gonzalez quoted author James M. Kouzes, who said “you think you’re a leader but no one is following you’re simply just out for a walk.” He reminded the audience to ask themselves, “am I giving it my all?” and that “the greatest thing is giving hope.”

Senior Katie Sorto Cabrera found the conference to be “different.” “This event was a life changing opportunity not just for students but also for administrators,” she said. “The speaker did a wonderful job in relating it to the students’ and teachers’ lives, which I really enjoyed. I had the opportunity to talk to him after his presentation, and he gave me an insight on how to continue going through life, especially as a high school senior, reminding me to not let other people’s judgments get in the way of my future.”

The Huntington students were good listeners and each of the 11 teenagers came away with something different from the conference.

“It was so wonderful learning about different school’s activities and events as well as meeting new people from different districts,” one of the Huntington students said.

“‘If your pain is not transformed it is transferred;’ this really struck me and reminded me to always be kind and have good energy towards others even when you’re not having the best day; Be all-in,” Belinda Velasquez said.

“All in’ means to give it your all, no matter the outcome,” Matthew James said. “God gave you his all and look at the outcome!”

Mrs. Biagi-Quigley and Mr. Romero were both exhausted by the end of the day, but they, too, gained a new perspective on life.

“A sound leader observes carefully, listens actively and teaches others to carry the baton in becoming our future leaders,” Mr. Romero said.