By Mary Malloy
The student delegates represented all of the district's schools - Centre Avenue and Rhame Avenue Elementary schools, St. Raymond's Catholic School, and the junior and senior high schools.
"Our intent is to begin to chart the future course of recreation activities and programs, and to identify the facilities needed to accomplish them," Sieban said. To do this, he said, students need to be a part of the process. "In some local governments, adults put children aside," he said, addressing the students. "You are citizens of this community, just as your parents are."
Summit coordinators Tim O'Hagan, the village's recreation director, Dom Vulpis, the school district's athletic director, and Community Representative Joe Lores developed, administered and tabulated the results of a Recreational Needs Survey that they presented as the focus of the meeting. "You told us what you want in the village as far as recreation, and we are here to start the process," said O'Hagan.
The survey, which was distributed to area schools over the past month, was filled out by 244 students who had definite ideas about what facilities and activities they would like to see in the village, including batting cages, laser tag, archery, hockey, concerts, a skate park, badminton, dances, sponsored trips, even an indoor pool.
"We already have great plans for the summer," said O'Hagan. "Basketball at the John Street Complex, dodge ball night, football, lacrosse, dancing, and a trip to Six Flags."
When the coordinators turned the meeting over to the students, asking for their input, they initially sat in silence. "If you and your friends don't get involved," said O'Hagan, "what's the point? You were hand-chosen by your teachers to represent your friends. Now it's your turn. What do you want?"
Suddenly, hands went up from the delegates. "More softball fields!" "A fine arts program!" "Scavenger hunts!" "A fishing tournament!" "Badminton!" "More soccer!"
And a quiet, curly-haired Centre Avenue School third-grader, Eric Graves, shyly raised his hand and said he would love to have more music events. "Jazz music," he said. "I love jazz music."
Vulpis explained the village's reasons for supporting an innovative youth program such as this. "We want to promote a sense of community, " he said. "Healthy lifestyles, setting goals, and learning how to get along with each other is what we're doing. The village wants to service everyone - youths, seniors, girls, boys."
"You are our ambassadors," said Sieban as he handed each of the student delegates his business card. "Go back to your friends with the energy and excitement of what went on here today." He invited communication from the students. "E-mail me," he said. "I know you all know how to use e-mail."
"I was happy to be invited because I got to say what I wanted to," said fourth-grader Kimberly McCann, who would love to see a swimming pool in her neighborhood. "I love to swim."
The older students were more skeptical. "I think this is all a good idea," said Jennifer Siciliano. "But I hope it really happens."
"I was very happy to hear the strong suggestions and comments from the kids," Sieban said. "It's important the children understand that they are part of their village and that they have a hand in forging its future."
Sieban said that what happened at the youth summit will be discussed at this week's session at Village Hall.
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
