Organized by the Student Government Association (SGA), Human Relations Day (HRD) took place on Thursday, Feb. 13. An LHS tradition, the highly-anticipated event annually invites speakers to share inspiring stories from their different career paths and backgrounds with students. This year’s theme was “As you take steps, strive for success.”
In preparation for the big day, SGA members worked hard through Thursday morning to ensure the event ran smoothly. SGA Slate officers contacted new and returning speakers to negotiate presentation times that aligned with class periods. Seniors Chloe Roemig and Kelsey Roth created this year’s t-shirt design. SGA members arrived before first period to set tablecloths and decorate the cafeteria. Throughout the day, members were responsible for chaperoning the speakers and assisting them with any technological difficulties or other concerns.
Thirteen speakers cleared time in their schedules to come and speak to students during students’ English and social studies class periods. The event was also made possible thanks to 12 sponsors, which included Red Label Coffee, Lynbrook Deli, Doughology, River Mill, and SaVino’s. Their gift card donations went toward another classic HRD tradition: “Random Acts of Kindness,” where selected students and staff members were surprised with a gift card to a local establishment.
A particular standout speaker was detective and LHS alum Jason Gaertner, who spoke to the junior and senior classes about the importance of safe and defensive driving. Gaertner was a New York Police Department (NYPD) police officer (1994-99) before joining the Nassau County Police Department in ‘99. Gaertner explained the realities of driving a vehicle with statistics and real-life footage of accidents that occurred in neighboring towns on Long Island. He emphasized, “Pay attention. Whether you’re right, wrong, or not, pay attention.” SGA club advisor and social studies teacher Nicole DiBenedetto specifically wanted Gaertner to address the upperclassmen. “I felt that Detective Gaertner’s presentation was imperative for new drivers–our juniors and seniors–to hear. Although it’s not always pleasant to think about, driving can be extremely dangerous. It’s important for everyone, but particularly newer drivers, to be reminded of how precious life is and how a lapse in judgement can change your life,” said DiBenedetto.
Continuing with law enforcement, Nassau County Police Department Commissioner and LHS alum Patrick Ryder spoke to some classes. Lynbrook Police Officer Robert Meier also spent time with students and spoke about risks and decision-making relating to drugs; additionally, he provided insight on how younger generations can facilitate a better relationship with police officers.
The many returning HRD speakers also included Professor Asher Matathias, the FealGood Foundation, the Viscardi School, and Sunrise Day Camp Long Island. Matathias, a Holocaust survivor, discussed how he was born in a cave in Greece in 1943 as a result of the Holocaust. He recounted the experiences of surviving the atrocity with his parents. The FealGood Foundation is devoted to advocating for first responders who have been injured in their line of work and need financial assistance. Students from the Viscardi School, an institution that provides academic programs for severely disabled children, spoke about their experiences, persevering, and facing adversity. Deanna Slade, director of Sunrise Day Camp Long Island and regional director of NY Camps, spoke about the program’s dedication to helping children with cancer.
Dean Blandino, analyst for Fox Sports, returned to speak about his job as the head of officiating for the XFL. SGA member and junior Cooper Cordes explained, “[Blandino was] my favorite presenter. I already developed a personal relationship with him after last year’s HRD, so it was interesting to hear what he said this year.” SGA also lined up the Senior Manager of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., who is also a Lynbrook parent, Sean Roemig. Roemig discussed his line of work. His daughter, Chloe, who is a senior, shared, “I’m probably biased, but my dad [was my favorite presenter.] I love how he not only spoke about his career, but also gave extremely good tips for students to keep in mind throughout their high school career and future in general.”
New speakers included Cathy Kuhlmeier, a free speech advocate who spoke about her role in the Supreme Court case, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier. The case established that schools have the right to censor student speech that goes against their educational mission. DiBenedetto had some partiality toward Kuhlmeier’s presentation: “It’s so hard to choose a favorite presenter because they are all so awesome and different from one another. As a social studies teacher, however, I was really excited to hear from Cathy Kuhlmeier. I teach about the SCOTUS case Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier in my government class as an example of a case that set a precedent for students’ rights in schools.” Despite the fact that Kuhlmeier lost her case, she reflected that it is important for students to unite in a common cause that is important to them and speak up; DiBenedetto found this overall message to be inspiring.
SGA also welcomed Justin Mosely, part-owner of Athlete Protocol. This gym uses innovative technology and methods to train athletes. Mosely spoke to students about his business, as well as lessons about building character and wealth. The Long Island Trio Talks, an organization for organ donations, was represented by Ken Abbotts. Lastly, Lynbrook alumna Lisa Cast discussed the importance of self-identity, establishing a support system, and navigating the college years.
HRD continues to be an event held in high regard because of the impactful topics it touches on with its annual themes. “One of the most important things about life is building connections, and HRD really helps to do that. This annual event helps to educate students and can even enlighten those students on a possible career path,” Cordes expressed. “I really enjoyed listening to all the speakers this year as they were all able to tell a different story and perspective on their life and what they have experienced or experience daily,” Roth shared. DiBenedetto appreciates HRD even more now as a teacher: “Nine years ago, I was a senior at LHS helping to run HRD as a student. Now, I am lucky enough to be on the other side of it as the SGA advisor. This event is so important for our students because it gives everyone a new perspective.”
