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Overcast At open house, Rockville Centre Youth Council looks ahead
Nearly 50 people, including Mayor Mary Bossart and community leaders, members of local organizations such as the Lions Club, Confide Counseling and the Police Department and students from South Side, Oceanside, Kellenberg and Chaminade high schools attended the Rockville Centre Youth Council’s first open house on June 7 in the Recreation Center.
The open house spotlighted ideas for substance-free events the Youth Council plans to sponsor. Those ideas include another bowling night similar to the two held at Rockville Centre Lanes in the fall and spring, a battle of the bands, a SportSet night and a social event for teens after the annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Rockville Centre.
“It was a great success,” said Beth Hammerman, chairwoman of the council, of the evening’s event.
“There were a lot of new faces at the open house and many people really expressed an interest and willingness to work on the council. There was a great momentum, spirit and enthusiasm. ”
In addition to highlighting future activities and the mission of the council — which aims to ensure a safe, nurturing social community for village youth — outgoing founding members were honored at the open house. High school seniors — including Cathy Mackey, Jenna Noll, Katie Burke, Nick Aldana, Mike Caffrey, Nicole Bernahardt and Chris Dougherty — played a significant role in starting and developing the Youth Council.
Also recognized at the event were the incoming student officers and student committee chairs. Those positions, held by the outgoing seniors, will now be filled by Deana Davoudiasl, Julianna Caffrey, Nick Suss, Connor McCormack, Kelsey McKenna, Taylor Kosakoff, Amanda Coren, Brent Carris, Rachel Shenker and Patrick O’Hara.
In her farewell speech, outgoing Youth Council President Cathy Mackey emphasized her strong belief in the council’s work and its progress since its inception two years ago.
“I am proud of how far the council has come,” said Mackey. “Now as I prepare to leave … I know that there is enough generosity, empathy and promise in this community to pursue the problems of the youth and seek out resolutions that will make life better for everyone in Rockville Centre.”
