Student leaders from two Bellmore-Merrick high schools recently hosted an inaugural conference aimed at fostering civil discourse among teens from across Nassau County.
On March 18, students from John F. Kennedy High School and Wellington C. Mepham High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District cohosted the first Common Ground Conference, drawing more than 200 students representing 10 high schools.
Participating schools included districts from Baldwin, Syosset, Roslyn, Herricks, Malverne, Carle Place, Division High School and Bellmore-Merrick’s Sanford H. Calhoun High School, along with the host schools.
Led by social studies and leadership teachers Brad Seidman of Kennedy and Jacqueline Geller of Mepham, the student-driven initiative was designed to encourage participants to engage in respectful dialogue across political and social differences. Rather than focusing on debate or persuasion, students were encouraged to practice active listening to better understand differing viewpoints.
The conference opened with a diverse interfaith panel featuring local religious and secular leaders who spoke about how their traditions emphasize human dignity, mutual respect and community values.
Following the panel, students participated in “Courageous Conversation” breakout sessions facilitated by seniors enrolled in Kennedy’s Leadership III class and Mepham’s leadership program. In small groups, participants discussed complex and often sensitive issues, including national security, immigration, the right to die and cultural representation.
Organizers said the event was the result of several months of planning and curriculum-based preparation, with the goal of creating a space where students could build empathy and find shared values despite differences.
