By Liz McBreen
During the meetings hosted by the state leaders, students from all of the schools in the two elementary districts were given the opportunity to ask questions concerning the economy, violence in schools and immigrant relations within the community.
For the past three years, Elmont has hosted forums such as this through a program created by Alfano called the "Mentors and Leaders Program." Alfano chose to kick-off the program in Elmont, saying that its diversity "empowers our young people to get involved in the community."
Student Ian Feurtado is an excellent example of just such involvement. As the Student Government President of Dutch Broadway School, he gave an eloquent welcome address. "Elmont is a terrific place to live and go to school. It's a diverse community but we all share the same dream - a good education, a safe place to live, and a successful career when we grow up." He went on to thank Donohue and Alfano for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet him and his fellow students.
Also on hand to greet Donohue and Alfano were PTA representatives, parents who were near Ground Zero at the time of the Sept 11 attacks and who volunteered after the attacks, and Rev. H. David Parker of the Emanuel Baptist Church.
The opportunity for the students to speak to Donohue was especially important in light of the recent tragedies that have effected the communities so deeply. Elmont School Board President Deanna Doreson praised the Lt. Governor, saying, "At a time when our world situation is so precarious, it is important to let our children know that this is a great society and that there are people who care about them. Knowing that this busy person is taking her time just to be with our children is reassuring for all of us. It is important that we show strength. Her presence in our district is a great show of leadership."
During the town meetings, Donohue, a former teacher, judge, and district attorney, repeatedly stressed to the students the importance of strong character and values. Echoing the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Donohue said, "If we educate the minds of our children and not their hearts, we risk creating menaces in our society."
She went on to say that although grades are important, "it is not the grade you receive on an exam that decides who you are." Stressing the point that the values one possesses are the most important part of building a strong character, Donohue urged the children to strive for values such as respect for individual differences, responsibility, honesty, courage and self-control.
Beyond answering students' questions and telling them the importance of strong values and character, Donohue and Alfano also wanted to show the students that their leaders are real people who care about them. Standing in front of red white and blue backdrops, both of them commended the students for their good behavior during their visit and encouraged them stay involved in their communities and keep them strong.
The program forums will spread throughout the area into the Franklin Square, West Hempstead and the North Valley Stream communities beginning this spring. The expansion, Alfano says, was in response to PTA members asking how they could bring the program to their respective schools. The focus of the forums has ranged from education to Alfano's work on fighting hate crimes and racial profiling to better park facilities.
Donohue's appearance at the Town Hall meetings in Elmont and Franklin Square are what Alfano called, "a real commitment by Governor Pataki and the Lt. Governor to make sure that our young people feel like they count and make a difference in their community."
Superintendent of Elmont Schools Dr. Maria Palandra spoke about the positive reinforcement that Donohue's visit provided for the students, "Lieutenant Governor Donohue has demonstrated vision and strength in promoting the development of citizenship, character and civility in our students. Her visit to the Elmont School District contributes to solidify our efforts to instill in our youth those values that are vital to the preservation of our country's ideals."
Donohue and Alfano also made time to visit the Gateway Youth Outreach in Elmont. During an informal luncheon, Director Pat Boyle and Sister Evelyn Lamoureux explained GYO's mission. "We're not just about bats and balls," said Boyle. GYO programs are funded by the county and they take place at the district schools. Trained professionals run after school programs including not only sports, but also homework assistance, and offer afternoon snacks. Boyle explained that for some children from kindergarten through sixth grade, this is the only alternative to being alone until their parents come home from work.
"By helping the children to finish their homework in the afternoon, they have the chance to interact with their parents later on without the stress of homework," said Boyle.
Donohue was impressed with the work of GYO, saying, "A program like this shows the community cares about its children and its parents."
Boyle was appreciative of the visit to the Outreach program saying, "It is heartening to know that Alfano thinks so highly of Gateway Youth Outreach's after school programs that he would invite the Lieutenant Governor to discuss our program where there so many other agencies he could have chosen in his district and Long Island. When people like him recognize the job you are doing, it makes you want to do more and do it better. The Lieutenant Governor can help us achieve that goal."
