In December, ten members of the MMS Speech and Debate Club traveled to Albany for the New York Youth and Government Conference, a three-day program in which students engage directly in a simulation of the state’s democratic process. Mineola was the only Nassau County school represented at the conference and one of only three from Long Island.

Learners representing Mineola at the conference were Vanessa Rosiak, Abigail Bennett, Mia Kim, Leah Perro, Luke Faisca, Brandon Chen, Matthew Ahlfeld, Erin Miller, Prashasti Huliya and Alex Zameryka.

Prior to the trip, the sixth and seventh graders met with local politicians for guidance and worked together to author three bills that they believe should be passed as legislation in the state of New York:

• Bill No. 1 – Mandating a road test every 10 years for senior citizens, who are over the age of 65, with an active New York State driver’s license.

• Bill No. 2 – New York State should ban pharmaceutical drug advertisements.

• Bill No. 3 – All students who attend New York State high school must be required to take a life skills course to graduate.

At the conference, the learners acted as senators and assembly members and presented each bill for debate in front of over 300 participants from around the state. They argued their cases, listened as the pros and cons were weighed and, finally, celebrated as each of their bills were passed!

The district is #MineolaProud of these future leaders and thankful to our social studies educators Ms. Cavuto and Mr. Fenty who facilitated this unique experience!

Date Added: 1/24/2024