After a softball injury sidelined Kennedy junior Morgan Bronfeld last summer, she began petitioning for mandatory ACL education and prevention as part of the New York State physical education curriculum.

As part of her Leadership II civic project, Bronfeld began contacting NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, asking that this type of training be included in the curriculum.

“I think it would be beneficial as it can help prevent injuries from happening, as well as spread information on how they occur and their prevalence,” explained Bronfeld, who required surgery and physical therapy for her torn ACL and meniscus.

She also worked closely with the Stars Rehabilitation Department of Northwell Health to bring a physical therapist in on Feb. 13-14 to address each physical education class at Kennedy.

The program covered common injuries such as shin splints, muscle and tendon strains, ligament sprains, and ACL issues.

John Carl, a physical therapist at STARS Rehabilitation discussed the four pillars of health: training, recovery, nutrition and mental health.

“Recovery doesn’t always mean rest,” Carl told the students. “It means getting active even when you’re sore. Or doing skill work or core work on your recovery day.”

He emphasized how nutrition also plays a large role for those in training.

“How well you fuel yourself is how well you can perform the day of competition,” he added. “Protein, vitamins and minerals, water and electrolytes are included in this.”

Carl also stressed how mental health is importance for maintaining drive and focus before having students perform various exercises properly and having them demonstrate core techniques and stretches.

While Bronfeld has not heard back from the governor’s office yet, she said she plans to continuing writing letters, emails and getting in contact with legislators.

School and Community Leadership is a three-year program offered at the high schools that aims to promote community service and civic action and foster leadership skills among students.

Click here to view the Kennedy Student Advocates for Injury Prevention Education in Phys Ed Classes 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/14/2025

Grace Ham, a Kennedy senior, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar.

Ham is one of 150 regional finalists selected to receive a $20,000 scholarship. She will travel to Atlanta in April to attend the Scholars Weekend.

“I am so excited and grateful to be a part of a network of individuals who want to bring positivity and innovative ideas to our community,” she stated. 

In the fall, she was chosen from more than 105,000 applicants nationwide and named a semifinalist, along with classmates Dylan Bazelnov and Jayden Simon, and Calhoun senior Ian Klimov. Ham was later among 250 individuals named regional finalists in January. 

There were many different aspects to the application process including two applications, six writing assignment and an interview with a panel. 

“There has been Nobel Peace Prize winners, politicians, musicians, and marvels in every field Coke Scholars,” Ham said. “I cannot wait to join this network and contribute to the world as much as they have. Nothing can be accomplished alone, so having a team of excellent individuals from all over the country can stimulate some change for good.

Students are evaluated based on community and leadership skills, academic achievements and service.

“I could not achieve this alone,” Ham emphasized. “My community, teachers, counselors, mentors, peers, and family were an integral part of this honor. I try my best to bring positivity to all aspects of my life, and I will continue to spread as much as I can for the rest of my life.”

On Jan. 15, the students in the Leadership III class at Kennedy High School presented their CougarTalks.

“The students wrote, rehearsed, refined, and memorized their speeches over the last month and a half of their leadership class,” explained teacher Brad Seidman. “They presented on topics that varied from personal reflections on family connections and past obstacles, to overcoming insecurities and living in the moment.”

The program is one of the culminating projects in the school’s leadership program, which focuses on developing students’ personal growth, confidence, and public speaking skills.

Students included; Jayda Levine, Jack Menahem, Ari Salama, Zach Greenseid, Tyler Platt, Spencer Perlmutter, Eidan Wexler, Aaron Schoenberg, Cooper Warren, Illan Tumarinson, Billie Lombardo, Sadie Friefeld, Marli Hettena, Josh Alland, Madison Minniti, Zara Selvin, Jenna Feig, Dylan Bazelnov, Mia Shteyman, Sphie Reese, Grace Ham, Zachary Ostroff, Addison Soffer, Sophia Benno, Jacki Brown, Maisie Leo, Ryan Califano, Jolie Yablon, Ben Schwed, Sarah Lieberman, May Silkowitz, Matthew Rowe, Haniyyah Myricks, Arielle Polk, Ella Alesia, Shelby Watstein, and Emma Zalayet.

Watch the entire Cougar Talks program on CougarTV by clicking here:

Group A: https://youtube.com/live/HU30BiAauhw?feature=share

Group B: https://youtube.com/live/Rak5eh3-P0A?feature=share

Click here to view the Leadership Students Present CougarTalks 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 1/21/2025

Five seniors from Kennedy High School were named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars on Jan. 8.

This is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

They are among 300 students chosen nationwide for this distinction. Their projects are a culmination of three years of work as members of the school’s Advanced Science Research program. 

From Kennedy, Gabriella Elliott submitted the project, The Use of Diagnostic Coding Processes in the Analysis of Verbal Behaviors To Enhance Patient-Provider Connection, Mark Prainito submitted the project, Behavioral Responses of Mercenaria mercenaria and Crassostrea virginica Larvae to Ocean Acidification and Cochlodinium polykrikoides Toxicity: A Novel Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ulva spp. in Mitigating Stressors Threatening Bivalve Larvae in Long Island Waters, Joleen Shau submitted the project, The Effect of Defocus on Contrast Detection and Its Implications for Myopia Development and Prevention, Jayden Simon submitted the project, A Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Microorganisms Utilizing Metagenomics To Determine the Effects of Plastic Polymer Types on Microbial Communities and Mason Tso submitted the project, Decoding Nonverbal Social Interactions Through Eye Movements With Soft Magnetic Skin and 3D Printed Magnetometer Glasses.

Their advanced science research teachers are Barbi Frank and Ryan Gendels. Robert Soel serves as the school’s science/STEAM chairperson.

"Each of our winners is an exemplary science research student with impressive academic achievements and talent in STEM," added Soel. "They are critical thinkers, innovators, and truly creative young scientists.  Their unique research projects have made authentic contributions to the fields of behavioral science, medicine, ecology, evolutionary biology and biomedical engineering."

Fourteen students total from Kennedy submitted research projects, as well as several from the district’s other two high schools, Calhoun and Mepham. Since 2004, there have been 71 research scholars and semifinalists from the Kennedy the Advanced Science Research program.

The scholars completed three years of independent research in their respective school’s Advanced Science Research Program. Each of the 300 Regeneron Scholars is awarded $2,000 for themselves and $2,000 to support science and research at their respective schools.

"Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year's Regeneron Science Talent Search," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News.  "With a record-breaking number of applications, these exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate their ingenuity, hard work, and passion for STEM."

From that select pool of scholars, 40 student finalists will be selected on Jan. 23 and are invited to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000.