Cari Einbinder, a junior in the Leadership program at Kennedy High School, started a Buy a Slice, Donate a Slice initiative at a local pizzeria.  

“Through my Leadership II class,I had the opportunity to engage in a civic action project in which I advocated for a cause and issue that was important to me,” she explained.  

Einbinder created Bellmore-Merrick’s Mission for a Meal, an initiative to combat food insecurity by offering customers at Piccolo Ristorante in Bellmore “a simple way to give back.” “You can visit the restaurant and add a slice of pizza (or more) to your order,” Einbinder explained.  

Every two weeks, the donated slices will be offered via vouchers to local families through the district’s food pantry, Community Cupboard.  

The goal is for Buy a Slice, Donate a Slice to be an ongoing effort, and for Einbinder to pass the program on to a junior in next year’s Leadership program. 

Date Added: 3/3/2025

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