Human Relations Day (HRD), hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA), was held on Thursday, Feb. 12. This year’s theme was “Kindness Is a Superpower.” HRD, a highly anticipated event at LHS each year, is a day when students hear from guest speakers in different career fields, from diverse backgrounds, and with unique stories. Speakers come from around the world to tell inspiring stories during social studies, English, and psychology classes. This day is an opportunity for students to meet new people and hear different perspectives. SGA Slate President Cooper Coordes, a senior, said, “Human Relations Day is a day dedicated to many different people with many different backgrounds, talking about their experiences and their wise words for us. In SGA, we pride ourselves on Human Relations Day. We spend a lot of time preparing for it, and we look forward to the whole year for this day!”
In preparation for the day, SGA contacted and organized speakers. Senior Cameron Kirby designed the T-shirts, and all members came in early to help set up. During the day, members were responsible for their speakers; they chaperoned and ensured that their speakers were taken care of. This day would not be possible without SGA’s seven sponsors: Doughology, 16 Handles, F&T Deli & Caterers, The Bowl, Red Label, Lynbrook Bagels, and Union Bagels. Lynbrook Deli also provided lunch for all SGA members and speakers.
Micheal Smith, LHS alumnus and director/producer, came to speak about his experience in Hollywood. Smith said, “I graduated from Lynbrook in 1989, and I now work in television. I’ve directed Law and Order, Suits, Manifest, How to Get Away with Murder, and a few other [shows]. I even produced a few of those. One of the nice things I like about coming back to Lynbrook is getting to speak as someone who always wanted to get into this business. My mom was a teacher, and my dad was a lawyer. Lynbrook is very far from Hollywood. I did not know if I could actually make it in what I’m doing now. Fortunately, since that was all I ever wanted to do, I worked at my goal until I was able to form what I’m hoping is a very nice career in the industry.”
Joe Salonica and Lauren Richardson from the Henry Viscardi School came to speak about the school and about what it is like to be disabled. Salonica said, “We have a student government organization called the Viscardi Ambassadors. It is a group of students that talk to their peers in other schools about disabilities and about their experiences being disabled in today’s world. They speak about the opportunities and benefits of being a student at the Henry Viscardi school. Our main focus is to break down the wall between the able-bodied and the disabled and to show that we’re all the same.”
HRD continues to be one of the most meaningful traditions at LHS, giving students an opportunity to hear powerful stories and learn from people with different life experiences. Social Studies teacher and SGA advisor, Nicole DiBenidetto shared, “I think Human Relations Day is so important because the guest speakers who come in share their unique stories with our students come from a variety of backgrounds. Whether the speaker is discussing their cool job and how they got to where they are today, adversity they have overcome, or sharing a volunteer opportunity with our students, the hope is that students leave feeling inspired, empathetic, and enlightened by a story that may be different than their own.”
