Bellmore-JFK's Student Government Association pitches in during pandemic

Members of John F. Kennedy High School's Student Government Association are continuing to support their community while learning from home. Over the past few weeks, student leaders have mobilized their fellow peers, neighbors and Kennedy alumni to shine a light on those working through the coronavirus pandemic. 

"Normally, the Student Government is working on several schoolwide and community activities at a time," said SGA President Danny Iskols in an email to the Herald Life, "so it only felt natural to continue to work and plan, even while stuck at home."

SGA developed three initiatives to help pitch in during the pandemic. The first was a thank-you message addressed to administrators, teachers and staff for their hard work and continued dedication. Each student government representative recorded a personalized clip for the project, which were then edited and compiled into one video. 

"The student body is grateful for all the support our teachers and administrators have provided," said SGA Vice President Brett Schutzman. "We wanted to show our appreciation by creating a thank-you video showing the meaningful impact they've had on our lives."

The second initiative was a contactless collection drive on April 20 to benefit Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside. SGA Secretary Dylan Lipman has volunteered there since November 2019, and contacted an administrator to find out what items they needed for the hospital's grab-and-go stations. 

"There were a handful of students who set up tables outside their house, and local community members, neighbors and friends came together . . . to drop off generous donations," Lipman said. "I couldn't believe how much my table collected — I was able to fill up a whole SUV."

Students personally dropped off cases of water, Gatorade, snack foods and desserts to MSSN's administrative offices in Baldwin while wearing face masks and practicing social distancing. The association also purchased 50 face shields for hospital workers from LaMar Plastics in Freeport — owned by a Kennedy alum, Joshua Aronson — after collecting nearly $1,000 through its website, kennedystudentgovernment.com.

The third initiative is a social media campaign that highlights JFK alumni working on the front lines as doctors, nurses and EMTs. The profiles can be found on Kennedy's Instagram page and Twitter feed. 

"We at JFK are fortunate enough to be able to stay at home unlike these heroic, front-line health care workers," said SGA Senator Eric Giannaris. "We wanted to show our appreciation for their dedication during this pandemic."

"The 'Healthcare Heroes' project has been a great way to reconnect with recent alumni, and to let them know how proud we all are of them," said SGA adviser Brad Seidman. "I am lucky to work with such dedicated and motivated young people who, during this tough time, have continued to find ways to serve their community."

SGA's goal, Giannaris said, is to continue these service efforts in the future. "I am immensely proud to have been president all year," Iskols added. "We have hardworking, dedicated and spirited members who are constantly focused on improving their school community."