More than 300 high school students took the City of Brooklyn to lead the “Summit of Success”, a day of workshops, art, emotional well -being and leadership that marks a milestone in youth civic education.
Last Friday, Brooklyn’s heart beat stronger and in a young voice. More than 300 high school students were the protagonists of the “Summit of Success”, an event organized by and for adolescents in the City Council of the District. Led by the Youth Advisory Council of the President of the Antonio Reynoso County, the meeting offered an integral experience of wisdom, well -being and leadership, designed to empower the next generation of New York leaders.
“When we invest in our students, we invest in the future of Brooklyn,” said Reynoso, who opened the day with an emotional welcome speech. “This summit focused on creating a space for Brooklyn emerging leaders to acquire valuable skills, forge community and empower each other while promoting the change they want to see in our district and city.”
The event, baptized as “Summit of Success”, was promoted by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), an initiative composed of 20 students of public schools in the district, committed to identifying and solving real problems in their communities. With the support of the Sadie Nash Leadership Project and the Superintendencies of Secondary Schools of Brooklyn Norte and South, the Council designed a high impact agenda with practical, interactive and, above all, transformative sessions.
Well -being, leadership and community
From creative painting sessions to neurolinguistic programming (NLP) workshops, the summit covered vital issues for the integral development of adolescents. Community organizations such as Planned Parenthood, The Good Dog Foundation, Onegoal and League of Women Voters of New York, among others, offered educational spaces focused on healthy relationships, mental health, financial identity, civic commitment and leadership.
“It is an honor for Sadie Nash collaborate with the young people of Brooklyn and the office of the president of the Brooklyn district to create opportunities where the voices of young people are the center of attention. Now more than ever, we must seek their guide to build a Brooklyn, and a world, fairer and more compassionate,” said Tené A. Howard, executive director of the leadership project Sadie Nash.
Among the most emotional moments of the event was the participation of the same organizing students, who reflected on their experience as leaders and the importance of an authentic representation.
“As a member of the Brooklyn Youth Council, it is a truly extraordinary opportunity to contribute directly to the changes we want to see in our local neighborhoods,” said Faith Alexander, highlighting the diversity of realities within the district itself. “By acquiring different perspectives, we can incorporate problems that could be more prominent in a neighborhood than in another. Thus, we generate solutions that produce a shocking change.”
A participatory education model
The initiative was held by the school leaders of the district, who emphasized the value of giving prominence to the students and trusting their organization and leadership capacity.
“The summit was completely led by students. They devised the subject, recruited presenters and developed the agenda,” said Janice Ross, Superintendent of Brooklyn North schools. “Adults dedicated themselves exclusively to providing support. This exemplifies the true collaboration between young people and adults in action.”
For his part, Michael Prayor, Superintendent of Brooklyn South, said: “Our students are the heart of Brooklyn South. The Youth Advisory Council shows that when young people have the space to lead, they develop with purpose, passion and powerful ideas. This summit reflects who they are: compassionate, reflective, creative and committed to a better brook. all”.
A future under construction
For many of the teenagers present, this experience was much more than a school day. “Working with the Youth Advisory Council among some incredible students of Brooklyn High School has been the highlight of my career. Being able to work with Sadie Nash and the president of the municipality is an honor,” said Hind Sbaa, another of the organizing students. “Generating a change for my classmates has been an unforgettable experience.”
The “Summit of Success” was not only an event, but a declaration of principles: Brooklyn’s youth are not only prepared to lead, but are already doing it. By: Nahuel Leto
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