47.0°,
Mostly Cloudy High-schoolers take over the Town of Hempstead
(Page 2 of 2)
n Communications Director: Maria Gargiulo, H. Frank Carey High School .
n Water Department Commissioner: Tim Matishek, East Meadow High School.
n Parks Commissioners: Lina Rengifo, Valley Stream South High School; Katherin Umana, East Rockaway High School.
n Public Safety Commissioner: Harold Ekeh, Elmont Memorial High School.
n Highway Commissioner: Ryan Smith, Garden City High School.
n Commissioner of Senior Enrichment: Nicole Williams, Sewanhaka High School.
n Conservation and Waterways Commissioner: Kara Ognibene, Mepham High School.
n Building Department Commissioner: Blerim Bardhi, Division High School.
n Sanitation Commissioner: Jonathan Frankel, Hewlett High School.
Ekeh, 16, said he wanted to be the public safety commissioner because he believes public safety is among local government’s most fundamental responsibilities. During the final emergency management meeting of all the commissioners, Ekeh commended fellow students after they read their departments’ mock emergency plans. He also praised the actual commissioners, saying that he gained a new respect for them after hearing stories about their late nights at work after Superstorm Sandy and their commitment to their jobs.
“We often hear about the vices of politicians, but we don’t always get to see the amount of dedication they have to their jobs,” he said. “I learned that every dollar of taxpayers’ money is deliberated. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Ognibene, 16, said she now knows the various ways that the Town of Hempstead impacts residents’ daily lives, and that she would consider possible career opportunities in local government. “This definitely opened some doors for me,” she said. “This is on a more personal level, as it directly affects people I know.”
“What I love about students is that I never know what they are going to say,” Murray said. “They are a fresh set of eyes and provide a unique perspective. [Students in Government Day] is a great learning experience for me as well.”
n Water Department Commissioner: Tim Matishek, East Meadow High School.
n Parks Commissioners: Lina Rengifo, Valley Stream South High School; Katherin Umana, East Rockaway High School.
n Public Safety Commissioner: Harold Ekeh, Elmont Memorial High School.
n Highway Commissioner: Ryan Smith, Garden City High School.
n Commissioner of Senior Enrichment: Nicole Williams, Sewanhaka High School.
n Conservation and Waterways Commissioner: Kara Ognibene, Mepham High School.
n Building Department Commissioner: Blerim Bardhi, Division High School.
n Sanitation Commissioner: Jonathan Frankel, Hewlett High School.
Ekeh, 16, said he wanted to be the public safety commissioner because he believes public safety is among local government’s most fundamental responsibilities. During the final emergency management meeting of all the commissioners, Ekeh commended fellow students after they read their departments’ mock emergency plans. He also praised the actual commissioners, saying that he gained a new respect for them after hearing stories about their late nights at work after Superstorm Sandy and their commitment to their jobs.
“We often hear about the vices of politicians, but we don’t always get to see the amount of dedication they have to their jobs,” he said. “I learned that every dollar of taxpayers’ money is deliberated. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Ognibene, 16, said she now knows the various ways that the Town of Hempstead impacts residents’ daily lives, and that she would consider possible career opportunities in local government. “This definitely opened some doors for me,” she said. “This is on a more personal level, as it directly affects people I know.”
“What I love about students is that I never know what they are going to say,” Murray said. “They are a fresh set of eyes and provide a unique perspective. [Students in Government Day] is a great learning experience for me as well.”
Page 2 / 2
Report an inappropriate comment
Comments